Defense Second Hegseth summons “unusual” meeting of top military leaders
Defense Secretary Pete Hegses ordered around 800 senior military leaders to come to a last-minute meeting in Quantico, northern Virginia.
Washington – They have pledged loyalty. To hear a speech about the “warrior spirit.” To take a physical fitness test.
These are one set of theories floating in an attempt to explain the mysterious Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, who he rushed to order last week, summoning hundreds of military commanders to Quantico, Virginia on September 30th.
The Pentagon has not dropped any hints as to why it reported the highest level officers from around the world to the base for an 8am meeting.
Preparations for the rally were ratcheted up as President Donald Trump revealed he would appear in what he called a “very great meeting.”
“It’s really a great encounter talking about how well we’re doing military-wise, we’re talking about great shapes, a lot of good, positive things,” Trump told NBC on September 28th. “That’s just a good message.”
According to news reports and defense officials who are not permitted to speak publicly, the commander had a notice for about a week at Quantico. Typically, meetings of this importance are scheduled several months in advance.
The Washington Post and the New York Times reported that Heggs will give a speech about the “warrior spirit” and fitness standards.
Some people, including retired military leaders, aired concerns at the gathering.
Ben Hodges, a former commander of the US Army Europe, posted to X in 1935 when Adolf Hitler summoned a German general and swears “personal loyalty to Fuhler.” Hegseth wrote in his reply, “Cool Story, General.”
Was this an email?
One thing is that some experts told USA Today. This could be an email. At least it was a conference call.
“They can host video communications and don’t need to cost taxpayers millions,” said Virginia Berger, senior defense policy analyst for the project on government surveillance.
Congress encourages military units to pass the annual travel-only funds that will be allocated to them by the end of the fiscal year. This will fall from the front on the day of the meeting on September 30th. The money commander is withdrawn to book a Quanto trip.
“They can probably make things go and delay a bit of training or buying in the next fiscal year, but that’s going to be a real headache,” Harrison said.
Some units may “look through all the couch cushions and find changes to pay for it,” Burger said.
Shutdown could catch a general in Quantico
Adding more confusion is the increasing possibility of government shutdowns. If the Commander’s aide has not booked a return flight, they could get stuck. It would likely require Trump to “wave a magic wand” and approve funds to bring them home, Harrison said.
Some generals, such as the 11 combatants commanders, are geographically widely distributed and therefore must travel by official Pentagon VIP planes. But the majority that must fly will likely travel on commercial flights in economic seats, Harrison said..
Military leaders from far away regions stay in local hotels. Quantico has one dedicated Onbase hotel, but according to Burger, who worked as a combat instructor for four years, it could be filled as the large towing aide commander occupy multiple rooms.
“It wouldn’t be cheap,” she said.
“Aidance and security officers have to get a room near the commander. It could be five or ten rooms for the senior commander,” Harrison said.
In addition, leaders request daily meals and accidental pay. Everything said, it could be “millions of dollars,” Burger said.
Critics say that removing the country’s finest military personnel from the arena is inherently a dangerous move.
“The gap between commanders around the world is potentially dangerous,” writes Mark Kangsian, a defense expert at the Center for Strategic International Studies. “Deputy Commanders are still enforced, but many absentees may open up vulnerabilities.”
Trump’s presence at the event means the Secret Service must be on the ground and take the lead to secure the area. Lockdown to the extent necessary can cause confusion at Quantico’s FBI Academy.
The Secret Service said the process is no different from the appearance of other presidents, except for the off-the-scene nature of the rally.
But others opposed. “Quantico security will be a nightmare,” writes Cancian.
Quantico’s Marine Corps National Museum will be closed on the morning of September 30th, the base’s library will be closed, and students at base’s primary school will be on holiday.
Burger said the age of the interstate highway near Quantico and the potential for increased traffic around 587, small town surrounding the base.
“If I had worked at Quantico, I would work from home that day,” she said.
