The Pentagon has summoned military officials from around the world for a gathering in Virginia, but even top generals and their staff do not know why, it has been reported. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered hundreds of the US’s generals and admirals to gather at a Marine Corps base next week – a highly unusual directive that has caused confusion and alarm.
The order was issued virtually to all of the military’s top commanders worldwide, according to more than a dozen people familiar with the matter, The Washington Post reported. The order was issued earlier this week, shortly after Mr Hegseth’s team at the Pentagon announced plans for a major reorganisation of the military’s top command structure. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed on Thursday that Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week”, but provided no further details.
The order reportedly applies to all senior officers holding the rank of brigadier general or higher – or their equivalents in the Navy – serving in command positions, as well as their senior military advisers.
Top commanders stationed in conflict zones and senior leadership based in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region are expected to attend. Approximately 800 US generals and admirals are stationed across the US and in dozens of countries worldwide.
According to the Washington Post, none of its sources could recall a defense secretary ever issuing such a broad summons: “People are very concerned. They have no idea what it means,” one said, while some expressed concern about potential security implications.
Others voiced frustration that even commanders based overseas are required to attend, with a Defense Department official claiming, “It will make the commands just diminished if something pops up”.
On September 5, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting the Department of Defense an additional designation – Department of War. This allows the US Secretary of Defense to use the additional title Secretary of War in official correspondence, public communications, ceremonial events and non-statutory executive branch documents.
It is not clear whether Mr Trump will attend the meeting or if Hegseth had given the president advance notice of his plans. He told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon that he will go “if they want me”. Both Mr Trump and Vice President JD Vance have downplayed the significance of the meeting, with Mr Vance saying it is “not particularly unusual” that generals are speaking with Hegseth. “I think it’s odd that you guys have made it into such a big story,” he said.
The orders come as Hegseth has unilaterally directed massive recent changes at the Pentagon — including directing that the number of general officers be reduced by 20% through a sweeping consolidation of top military commands and firing senior leaders without cause. Last month, Hegseth fired people including Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the chief of the Navy Reserve, with no specific reasons given.
The total number of generals and admirals across the force will also be reduced by at least another 10%.
