Hegseth Summons Hundreds of Top Officers to Quantico

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a rare, short‑notice order for a gathering of senior U.S. military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico next week, reportedly drawing roughly 800 generals and admirals worldwide, including one‑star officers and their top advisers. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week” but declined to provide an agenda or participant numbers. The unexplained summons has prompted security and readiness concerns and widespread speculation about its purpose, including possible major policy announcements or personnel moves. The meeting follows Hegseth’s recent rapid reshaping of senior ranks — including firings of top officers and orders to cut general and flag positions — and comes amid the administration’s push to rename the Defense Department and a possible government shutdown. Critics warn the timing and secrecy risk politicizing military leadership and undermining readiness.