U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called together hundreds of military officials for an in-person meeting on Tuesday to introduce new directives for troops, emphasizing the implementation of “gender-neutral” or “male-level” physical fitness standards and the removal of “woke” culture from the military. Hegseth criticized the promotion of leaders based on race, gender quotas, and “historic firsts,” stating that the era of overly sensitive leadership that avoids hurting anyone’s feelings is over.
During the meeting, Hegseth announced a shift towards more lenient disciplinary rules and reduced hazing protections. He urged military leaders who do not support his approach to resign. The meeting, held at a Virginia base, was organized abruptly, with the reason for the gathering not disclosed until the morning of the event.
Hegseth’s speech highlighted his concerns about the military being constrained by “woke” policies enforced by politicians, aiming to address years of decline within the military system. Additionally, he proposed changes to personnel records management to prevent minor infractions from hindering career progression indefinitely.
The large assembly of military leaders at the Marine Corps base in Quantico sparked speculation due to its scale, suddenness, and secrecy, especially as the U.S. faces a potential government shutdown. Hegseth’s recent unconventional decisions, such as reducing the number of general officers and dismissing top military officials, added to the uncertainty surrounding the meeting’s purpose.
While the meeting garnered attention, the Pentagon remained tight-lipped about details, and President Trump initially expressed surprise when asked about it. However, he later confirmed his attendance at the gathering, intending to discuss military achievements and positive developments with Hegseth. Vice-President JD Vance downplayed the significance of the meeting, insisting that it was routine for generals reporting to Hegseth to engage in discussions with him.
The event at Marine Corps Base Quantico marked a significant moment as military leaders listened to Hegseth’s address, emphasizing the importance of implementing changes to enhance military readiness and efficiency.