President-elect Trump has made an unconventional choice in announcing his intention of nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense.

It was a surprise choice that already has caused some consternation. Many had expected a nominee with more experience to be selected to lead the Pentagon.

Hegseth has been a fierce advocate of "wokeness" in the military, and has suggested banning women from combat roles and firing Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. CQ Brown.

Should he be confirmed in the Senate, Hegseth would replace Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is set to depart along with President Biden in January.

Here's what to know about his nomination:

Record of military service and veterans' advocacy

Hegseth was an infantry officer in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021. After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, he went on to serve tours in Guantanamo Bay from 2004-'05, Iraq from 2005-'06, and Afghanistan from 2011-'12, according to the Army National Guard.

His military awards include two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the expert infantryman and combat infantryman badges.

Hegseth also served as the executive director of the non-profit Vets for Freedom and CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, a Koch-backed conservative advocacy group that advocated for........

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