DID Press: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth summoned hundreds of military generals to Virginia on Monday for a closed-door meeting focused on “appearance standards, discipline, and warrior ethos vision.”
According to three military officials and a congressional aide familiar with the planning, the meeting is primarily intended as a motivational gathering, during which Hegseth emphasized conduct, leadership expectations, and the need for “unity of direction.”
One official cautioned that failure to adhere to this new approach can have negative consequences for officers’ future careers.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the event on Thursday as a “friendly meeting,” though several defense officials dismissed it as little more than a publicity opportunity.
Since taking office, Hegseth has pursued an interventionist approach to personnel matters, making physical appearance and fitness standards a central focus of his tenure. He has also promoted a new concept of “warrior ethos,” aimed at fostering a more aggressive military posture.
Military sources said Hegseth is also expected to outline a new national security vision under the Trump administration, prioritizing domestic security and the Western Hemisphere over distant overseas conflicts.
According to available information, Hegseth’s address will be recorded and is expected to be released at a later date.
However, many analysts argue that bringing together hundreds of top U.S. generals from around the world for a secretive meeting cannot simply be viewed as a motivational or promotional event. They suggest the gathering likely serves broader strategic purposes that could foreshadow significant military shifts at both the regional and global levels.