Hegseth Orders Mandatory Meeting at Quantico

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered an unprecedented, mandatory gathering of hundreds of U.S. generals, admirals and senior enlisted leaders at Quantico next week, directing virtually all one‑star and above commanders to attend. The size, scope and mandatory nature of the meeting are highly unusual and have prompted concern about the security risks and operational impact of concentrating so much senior leadership in one place. Critics and former officials say the meeting is part of a broader pattern of controversial Pentagon moves under Hegseth — including new restrictions on journalists, the shuttering of a committee on women in the military, allegations of sharing sensitive information on unsecured apps, and cuts or dismissals of senior officers — that they argue signal upheaval and could imperil careers for nonconformity. Observers warn the gathering may be intended to push a renewed “warrior ethos” or rebrand the department and could signal instability to allies and adversaries.