Hegseth Could Lead Troops Who'd Face Getting Fired For Actions He's Done In The Past

If Pete Hegseth were still in uniform, his extramarital affairs and a decision to flatly ignore a combat commander's directive would not just be drawing the attention of senators - they could have run afoul of military law.

That is raising questions among current and former defense leaders and veterans about whether Hegseth would be able to enforce discipline in the ranks if confirmed as President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary . Hegseth would oversee more than 2 million troops who could be disciplined or kicked out of the service for the same behavior he has acknowledged or been accused of in the past.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel weekend host, has acknowledged having multiple extramarital affairs - which occurred while he was in the military , according to divorce records - and has said he told his troops to ignore commands about when to fire on potential enemies. Both violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice and can get troops court-martialed and dishonorably discharged.

He's also facing questions over his past drinking - which, had it occurred in uniform, also could have led to disciplinary action.

Hegseth, however, has the support of some veterans' groups that say his past indiscretions are not as important as getting in the job someone who will focus on improving military readiness to fight.