Trump Urges Generals to Revive Warrior Spirit with Pay Raise Plans at Quantico

President Donald Trump addressed senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, emphasizing a renewed focus on fitness, merit, and the "warrior spirit" within the U.S. Armed Forces. He criticized political correctness and the military culture he views as overly sensitive, asserting that the military's purpose is to protect the republic and stressing the need for readiness to fight and win. Trump highlighted increases in military enlistments and new initiatives aimed at strengthening core values like character and strength, while drawing inspiration from historic military figures such as Patton, Bradley, and MacArthur. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this hardline stance, announcing directives for physical fitness tests, gender-neutral physical standards at male levels for combat roles, and a rollback of identity-focused programs, signaling a shift away from what he called a "woke" military culture. Both leaders framed these changes as a return to traditional warfighting priorities and merit-based advancement, aiming to restore discipline and effectiveness within the ranks. The administration's message underscores a strategic commitment to revitalizing the military's combat readiness and morale under President Trump's leadership.