Overview

• He told assembled brass that any challenger would be “crushed by the violence, precision, and ferocity of the War Department,” closing with “To our enemies, FAFO.”
• The remarks came at a short-notice assembly of hundreds of generals and admirals at Marine Corps Base Quantico, an uncommon convening of senior leaders.
• Audience reaction to the “FAFO” line was largely silent, with one audible cheer, consistent with rules discouraging applause during such addresses.
• He said combat roles should require “this highest male standard only” while insisting standards be uniform, gender neutral, and high across the force.
• Social media and commentators mocked the delivery and optics, highlighting clips of the paused-for-applause moment and labeling the speech cringeworthy.