Department of Defense introduces Western civilization course for military schools

The Department of Defense is introducing a new course focused on Western civilization and Christianity in its schools this fall. This initiative is part of an effort by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to redirect the education system toward classical learning and patriotic values.

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) manages approximately 160 schools across 11 countries, serving roughly 70,000 students who are children of active-duty military or civilian service members. The new curriculum will utilize a textbook titled ‘The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition, Volume I: The Ancient World and Christendom,’ published by Encounter Books. The course includes lesson plans developed in partnership with Hillsdale College.

Some historians and educators have criticized the textbook, claiming it presents history in misleading ways by equating Western civilization with Christianity and characterizing Islam as a threat to both. The shift toward classical learning also includes the hiring of new teachers and academic leaders with ties to Republican-led patriotic education efforts.