The Minnesota native has shown himself breathtakingly unprepared to lead, unwilling to admit mistakes and adamant that no course correction is needed. The political divide in this country is great, but on this we can agree: The lives of our troops abroad matter more than partisan differences at home.

The defense secretary’s inner circle is in disarray, and distrust is growing among civil servants and senior military officials.

The Pentagon has a leak problem, and Defense Department figures are not shying away from accusing those they believe to be responsible.