In a highly unusual move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals to Marine Corps Base Quantico today, using the event to broadly outline his vision for what he calls the „Department of War.” Hegseth dismissed Biden-era policies and emphasized a return to traditional values, including a controversial push for the „highest male standard” of physical fitness for all combat posts.
„The Era of the Department of Defense is Over”
„Good morning, and welcome to the War Department, because the era of the Department of Defense is over,” Hegseth declared at the outset. He emphasized the urgency of the current global situation, stating, „This is a moment of urgency, mounting urgency. Enemies gather. Threats grow. There’s no time for games. We must be prepared.”
Demands for Increased Military Capabilities
Hegseth called for significant increases in military capabilities, including „more troops, more munitions, more drones, more Patriots, more submarines, more B-21 bombers…more innovation, more AI in everything and ahead of the curve, more cyber effects, more counter UAS, more space, more speed.”
Softened Tone on Further Firings, Calls for Resignations
While acknowledging his previous high-profile firings, Hegseth appeared to adopt a softer approach to future dismissals, suggesting many were simply following the direction of political leaders at the time. However, he called on officers who were not fully aligned with the new „warrior ethos” to do the „honorable thing” and resign.
Targeting „Ideological Garbage”
Hegseth stated that he was targeting „ideological garbage” that had „infected” the department, adding, „No more identity months, DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] offices, dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship. No more division, distraction, or gender delusions. No more debris. As I’ve said before and will say again, we are done with that shit.”
Controversial Stance on Physical Fitness Standards
The Secretary of Defense, a long-time critic of women serving in combat units, announced that only the „highest male standard” of physical fitness would be accepted for combat positions. „When it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender neutral. If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is. If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs. So be it,” he said.
Ban on Anonymous Complaints
Hegseth also announced a push to ban anonymous complaints to the Inspector General (IG), claiming it has been „weaponized, putting complainers, ideologues and poor performers in the driver’s seat.” He stated, „No more frivolous complaints, no more anonymous complaints, no more repeat complainants, no more smearing reputations, no more endless waiting, no more legal limbo, no more side-tracking careers, no more walking on eggshells.”
Trump Backs Hegseth’s Focus on „Merit”
President Donald Trump, who spoke after Hegseth, praised the Defense Secretary and backed his push for a greater focus on „merit” in the military and elsewhere. He also suggested that some of the assembled senior officers could play a „major part” in helping to „straighten out” major cities.
Controversy Over Unprecedented Gathering
Hegseth’s decision to gather so many senior leaders in one location is a highly unusual move, due to security concerns and the cost and logistics involved. The sudden summons, without a stated reason, prompted speculation after The Washington Post first reported the story.
Palace Intrigue and Historical Comparisons
The meeting sparked intrigue due to factors including Hegseth’s past criticism of senior officers and a post on X by former three-star general Ben Hodges, who noted that in 1935, German generals were called to a surprise assembly and told to swear a personal oath to Adolf Hitler. Hegseth responded to the post with „Cool story, General.”
