Pentagon introduces combat-style test to vet future generals

The Pentagon is rolling out a Joint Warfighting Evaluation (JWE) to supplement existing performance records for officers being considered for general and flag ranks. Each branch has crafted its own version, ranging from online scenario analysis to multi-hour wargames at the Naval War College, with AI-driven adversaries challenging participants. Approximately 900 Army colonels, 1,330 Air Force colonels, 125 Space Force officers, 308 Navy captains and up to 175 Marine Corps colonels will be tested in the first cycle.

While the JWE provides a new metric of battlefield problem-solving, traditional evaluations will still form the "bedrock" of promotion boards. The first round will occur between February and June 2027, with results informing future weighting decisions. The initiative stems from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s push to prioritize combat competence over career-track navigation.