Overview

• At a short-notice all-hands at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Secretary Pete Hegseth declared a singular warfighting mission and referred to the Pentagon as the War Department.
• He directed the end of DEI programs and identity-focused initiatives, reinstated the highest male standard for all combat arms roles, and imposed stricter grooming and fitness rules.
• Hegseth said he will overhaul inspector general procedures to curb anonymous and repeat complaints, asserting the system has been misused.
• Reporting confirms earlier removals of top JAGs and several flag officers and notes his plan to cut four-star billets by at least 20%, while no mass firing occurred at the Quantico event.
• Commanders, service members, and allies are voicing concerns about politicization, morale, and the legality of potential domestic missions as they await detailed orders.