Hegseth Orders Rare Gathering of Top US Military Leaders

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.”