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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Julie Watson,Laurie Kellman and Deepti Hajela

Pete Hegseth had a lot to say when he summoned military leaders. Here are some facts and context

Pentagon Commanders Meeting - (2025 Getty Images)

Armed with a 10-point plan and pacing a stage in Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth enumerated for hundreds of assembled military leaders just how much of the force's policy, philosophy and culture will change for more than 2 million Americans in uniform under President Donald Trump's command.

"For too long, we’ve promoted too many uniformed leaders for the wrong reasons based on their race, based on gender quotas, based on historic so-called firsts," Hegseth said. The approach, he said, made the Pentagon “less capable and less lethal.” Hegseth talked up his and Trump’s focus on “the warrior ethos” and “peace through strength."

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