Overview

• Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Hegseth told more than 800 generals and admirals that the military’s task is to “prepare for war and win it,” invoking “peace through war.”
• He said “foolish and reckless” political leaders turned the Pentagon into a “department woke” and declared an end to what he called decades of decline.
• He promised to stop promotions based on race or gender quotas, to scrap DEI offices and identity observances, and to drop climate and gender ideology initiatives.
• He announced tougher, gender‑neutral physical standards for combat roles that could disqualify some women and men he described as unfit.
• He urged critics to resign, embraced the “Department of War” styling, and shared the stage with President Trump, who said he would fire generals on the spot and described sending a nuclear submarine after a brief Russian threat.