Overview
- An October 6 memo directs leaders to ensure every Defense Department member watches the full recording or reads the transcript of Pete Hegseth’s September 30 Quantico address and reviews the linked policy changes by October 31.
- The memo links to 11 additional memorandums and instructs leaders to “inculcate our cultural shift,” referring to the department as the “Department of War,” according to the document reviewed by CNN and Business Insider.
- Pentagon officials say the order reinforces guidance for the whole force, while reporting from Zeteo describes senior leaders asking staff for proof of viewing and warning of possible reprimands for noncompliance.
- The Quantico event was an unusual, short-notice gathering where Hegseth summoned roughly 800 generals and admirals and emphasized stricter fitness, grooming standards, and a rollback of policies he labeled “woke.”
- Following the speech, the Texas Military Department said it replaced a small number of National Guard troops deemed not in compliance during a rapid mobilization to the Federal Protection Mission in Chicago.