US Secretary of Defense Candidate Hegseth directs military members to take leave on election day

Hegseth published a video message about the application on the social media platform of US-based company X.

In his message, Hegseth said, "I instruct commanders and chiefs at all levels within the Ministry to implement a one-day 'suspension of activity' in October, starting this year and continuing in every election year. This year, we will implement this practice by October 15 at the latest." he said.

Reminding that military members previously faced many obstacles in voting due to working far away from their home states, Hegseth said in his message: "We are not telling you who you should vote for, but we will provide you with every opportunity to vote." he stated.

Hegseth called on the soldiers to fill out the ballot paper and vote in person at the polls on the day when the army would take a break from its activities.