Footage from Pete's early Fox News days has resurfaced amid news of his big nomination ... showing the Army National Guard officer participating in an axe-throwing contest against then-costar Clayton Morris on "Fox & Friends." Despite Pete's military training, he struggles to make contact with the target ... instead striking an innocent bystander with the tool.

Check it out ... Pete stands directly in front of a wooden platform with a large target situated on top. Pete throws the axe at the bullseye, but it doesn't even make contact ... instead flying above and hitting a member of a drum corps standing on the other side.

Pete clearly doesn't realize his axe made contact with someone ... as he reacts by playfully shrugging to the camera. The Associated Press reports Hegseth was later sued over the incident -- and the person he struck was a U.S. Army master sergeant.

Here's hoping Pete's aim is far better when he's responsible for lobbing any possible missiles in the future.

President-elect Trump feels confident in Pete's abilities, nonetheless. DT announced his Secretary of Defense nomination decision Tuesday, praising Pete as "tough, smart and a true believer in America First."

He continued ... "With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down."