U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for an unprecedented gathering of senior military officials at Quantico, Virginia, sparking speculation about its purpose. Over 100 generals and admirals stationed globally – including in Asia-Pacific hubs like South Korea and Japan – have been ordered to attend the hastily arranged meeting, according to five officials who spoke to Reuters.
The sudden summons has disrupted meticulously planned schedules, with one anonymous official stating: "People are scrambling to change their plans." Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the meeting but provided no details about its agenda or urgency.
This development follows Hegseth's aggressive restructuring of military leadership since taking office. The former Fox News personality has dismissed multiple four-star commanders, including Joint Chiefs Chair General C.Q. Brown, while implementing a 20% reduction in senior officer positions. "More generals doesn't mean more success," Hegseth declared in May while announcing the cuts.
While White House officials downplayed the meeting's significance, analysts note the timing coincides with heightened global tensions. The gathering marks one of the largest concentrations of U.S. military leadership since World War II, with officials responsible for over 1.3 million active-duty personnel potentially attending.
"The lack of clarity isn't helping," the anonymous official added, reflecting concerns within defense circles. Observers await further details as Hegseth continues reshaping Pentagon priorities, including controversial moves to eliminate diversity programs.
