Overview

• An in‑person meeting is set for Tuesday at the Marine base in Quantico for officers in command from O‑7 to O‑10 and their senior enlisted advisors.
• Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Hegseth will deliver remarks to senior commanders, but officials have not stated the purpose.
• Multiple sources describe the directive as highly unusual and say it has caused confusion and alarm among senior military leaders.
• Defense officials warn that pulling commanders from overseas deployments could pose operational risks, noting secure video options exist.
• The convocation follows recent high‑profile dismissals and a push to cut roughly 20% of general‑officer billets, deepening concerns over civil‑military strain.