Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assembled roughly 800 senior officers at Quantico on September 30, where he pledged to end so‑called “woke” policies and President Trump suggested using U.S. cities as military “training grounds.”
• Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling cautioned that the spectacle risks turning the military into political theater and said commanders must sort what is lawful, implementable, and wise.
• Reports cited serving officers who labeled Hegseth’s address “garbage” and called the event embarrassing, as attendees largely withheld applause during Trump’s remarks.
• Forbes reported that a government shutdown could leave active-duty personnel without pay starting October 15 unless Congress acts, with a separate pay-protection bill described as uncertain.
• Analysts say recent spending choices channel funds to contractors and weapons with little direct relief for families and veterans, who face cuts to nutrition and health programs and potential VA staffing reductions.