Hegseth Summons Hundreds of Senior Officers to Quantico

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered hundreds of senior military officers — generals and admirals of one‑star rank and above — to assemble next week at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, a rare, short‑notice directive confirmed by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Officials and attendees say the order provided no agenda or explanation, causing confusion and logistical disruption for commanders stationed worldwide and raising concerns about concentrating so many senior leaders in one place. The summons follows Hegseth’s recent sweeping personnel moves, including multiple unexplained firings and orders to reduce the number of general and flag officers, and has fueled speculation about further leadership changes or broader policy shifts. Some analysts warn the timing and secrecy risk politicizing military leadership and undermining readiness, while administration supporters describe the meeting as routine engagement; observers also note the broader context of proposals to reshape the Pentagon, including renaming it the 'Department of War,' and amid budget and shutdown uncertainties.