Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth convened scores of U.S. generals and admirals at a rare summit in Quantico, Virginia, delivering a bold signal: he intends to purge “soft” policies and enforce a more traditional, combat-focused military ethos.
During the gathering, he criticized “woke” cultural policies, urged officers who disagree with his vision to resign, and unveiled plans for stricter fitness and leadership standards. He also framed the meeting as a reset—an opportunity to redefine command expectations and restore what he calls a more disciplined, readiness-oriented force.
Observers described the assembly as unprecedented in scale and tone, reflecting a sweeping shift in Pentagon direction under his stewardship.