“Foolish and reckless political leaders set the wrong compass heading and we lost our way. We became the ‘Woke Department,’” Hegseth declared at the start of the high-level meeting.
“But not anymore,” he added.

In an unprecedented move, commanders from around the world were summoned to the gathering without public explanation. Hegseth addressed them head-on, standing firmly behind his recent decisions to relieve several senior officers of their duties — including the military’s highest-ranking general and the Navy’s top admiral. He made it clear these actions were necessary to root out a culture of weakness and restore accountability.

He announced plans to reform the way the Pentagon handles internal complaints and investigations, saying the current system forces leaders to walk on eggshells.

“If the words I’m speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honourable thing and resign,” Hegseth said.

“I know the overwhelming majority of you feel the opposite. These words make your hearts full.”

He also took aim at the lack of physical readiness among top brass, stating bluntly:

“It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon.”

Hegseth said fitness tests would be held to male performance standards and emphasised a return to strict appearance guidelines:

“The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos,” he said to a silent audience.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters before heading to the event, made clear he expects strength and loyalty from military leadership.

“If you don’t like what I’m saying, you can leave the room, of course, there goes your rank, there goes your future,” he said jokingly upon taking the stage.

Trump went on to praise the military’s power and potential, highlighting achievements like modernising the nuclear submarine fleet, standing up the Space Force, and boosting recruitment.

“I am with you. I support you, and as president, I have your backs 100 per cent,” he said.

Since returning to office, the administration has wasted no time in restoring focus and discipline within the Department of Defence. Changes have included major leadership overhauls, removal of divisive materials from military libraries, and bold action abroad — such as authorising strikes on drug-trafficking operations off the coast of Venezuela.

The surprise nature of this gathering has sparked speculation within military circles and among the public. Many believe it may signal deeper restructuring, including potential cuts to bloated senior leadership and a reorientation of military priorities.

“It’s anyone’s guess” what will ultimately be discussed, said one official familiar with the agenda, speaking anonymously.

Despite these reforms, some observers have raised concerns over the growing political pressure placed on the armed forces. Critics argue the military should remain apolitical, dedicated solely to the Constitution and not influenced by any administration. However, supporters of the changes argue that for too long, the Pentagon has been mired in left-leaning bureaucracy that undermines combat readiness and morale.

In line with the administration’s law-and-order approach, plans were announced to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago — continuing a strategy of using the military to restore stability in cities plagued by rising crime. Similar deployments have already occurred in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, despite pushback from progressive local officials.

Ahead of the Quantico event, Trump framed the gathering as a moment to strengthen unity and purpose among military leaders.

“I want to tell the generals that we love them, they’re cherished leaders, to be strong, be tough and be smart and be compassionate,” he said.

While Trump’s presence commanded attention, it was Hegseth’s leadership that drove the message home. He has quickly taken the reins of the Pentagon to implement the president’s vision: a fighting force that values strength, honour, and readiness above all.

Hegseth, who regularly speaks about the importance of the “warrior ethos,” sees the restoration of a combat-focused culture as essential. His actions align with the administration’s broader move to reassert American power and purpose — including a recent executive order officially renaming the Department of Defence to the “Department of War,” a return to tradition that reflects the seriousness of America’s military role.

As a former Army officer and longtime advocate for military reform, Hegseth has moved swiftly to eliminate divisive diversity programs and bring clarity and focus back to the mission. For him and his supporters, this marks a long-overdue course correction — one aimed at rebuilding the strongest fighting force in the world.

Fort Bragg, near Fayetteville, North Carolina, is home to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and hosts elite units such as the Green Berets and Rangers.

Also attending Tuesday’s ceremony will be Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, along with active-duty troops, veterans, and their families.

Trump has highlighted the Army’s milestone as a justification for holding a military parade in Washington on Saturday, which coincides with his 79th birthday. The event will feature tanks and military vehicles parading through the city, showcasing the Republican president’s efforts to reshape the military since his return to office.

Seeing the military as a key instrument for domestic policy, Trump has capitalized on the recent protests in Los Angeles—initially sparked by immigration raids—to deploy National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to restore order.

Despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, Trump approved sending 4,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, alongside approximately 700 Marines who were scheduled to deploy.

California has taken legal action against the President over the military deployment, with the state’s attorney general accusing Trump of violating California’s authority. State leaders also blame him for escalating tensions that led protesters to block a major highway and set self-driving cars on fire.

“We will have troops everywhere,” Trump said over the weekend. “We won’t allow this to happen in our country.”

Fort Bragg itself has been at the center of cultural controversy. Originally named after a Confederate general, it was renamed Fort Liberty two years ago. However, Hegseth reinstated the Bragg name, explaining it now honors an Army paratrooper who served in World War II.