Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed more than 800 U.S. military officers to assemble next week at Marine Corps Base Quantico, an unprecedented move that has raised questions among military leadership.
The War Zone, which first reported the news, said the commanders have no idea what the meeting is about and have been in contact with each other to understand why Hegseth has called such a gathering.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman later confirmed that Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week.” No further details were provided.
The meeting reportedly includes all general and flag officers at the rank of brigadier general or higher, along with their top enlisted advisors. While some are already in Washington for an Air Force conference, most are based across the U.S. and abroad.
Officials told Reuters that the directive for military officers to meet at short notice has created uncertainty among attendees. “People are scrambling to change their plans and see if they have to attend,” a U.S. official told Reuters.
“It’s probably more mundane than people think… (but) the lack of clarity isn’t helping,” the official further said.
Some speculate that the meeting is about a looming purge. Hegseth previously said he wants to cut 20 percent of senior generals and admirals.
In May, Hegseth ordered cuts that included about 100 generals and admirals, a 20 percent reduction in four-star officers, and an additional 10 percent cut in general and flag officers across the military. He has also proposed consolidating major commands, such as U.S. European and Africa Commands.
The meeting comes as the military develops a new defense strategy that prioritizes homeland security over the Indo-Pacific. The plan is expected to shape the global positioning of U.S. troops.
Marine Corps Base Quantico serves as both a military installation and an educational hub for the Marines and the FBI. According to Axios, Quantico describes itself as the birthplace of “the most important techniques in warfighting” and the home of “training and equipment of the future.”
While I empathize with the “short notice”, agility is one of the hallmarks of a well-prepared military. Mission: DO what you’re ordered, then you can request purpose if you need clarity.
This is so far off base. By definition in US doctrine, a Mission is Task and Purpose. That’s what sets us apart from militaries that discourage initiative and rely on human waves of conscripts.
Absolutely correct. They are being called together by their commander…there is no other task that is as important. They all need to figure it out and get over there. For those who are saying that it’s a risk to have them all together, one of the government’s and military’s primary task is maintain chain of command. Their subordinates should have a clear understanding of the job and if anything happens, continuity will ensue, another hallmark of the military…. the loss of anyone is bearable by the force at large and they will continue their mission. Time to focus on the task.
Downsizing the War Department is wwaay past due … https://nexttobagend.blogspot.com/2020/08/death-by-bloat.html
Now leadership knows how it feels to be uninformed of details.
Indeed, not to mention how to be as agile as the ranks they command
Certain does not seem like a very good idea to put the heads of our military infrastructure in one place at one time.
That is a reasonable concern. But let Generals and Flag staff feel uncomfortable for a change….it might help some of the Alzheimers plaque break lose….