Any ideas?
- Thread starter UrHuckleberry
- Start date
So many people refer to the administration as NAZI and GESTAPO I am thinking a repeat of the Night of the Long Knives in Germany
Have a friend who said he would like to bet $10,000.00 that it is NOT A LOYALTY OATH TO TRUMP.
You bet your $10,000.00 that it is a loyalty oath directly to Trump.
You want me to put him in contact with you to make that bet.
I certainly don't want some sort of bad outcome either. I am coming at this as not assuming ill / unlawful/anti constitutional intent. You are be assuming different going in.
In any evnt, I'm making a big bag of popcorn for this and grabbing a seat because I'm going to be spectating just like everyone else.
Retired senior officers should not be speculating, IMHO If they are in any way using their retired rank. Anonymous messages boards such as this... fire away!
Last edited:
I don't think you said anything about Nazi oath. Although you've implied the Trump/Repubs/Maga are nazis many times. I have a big issue with hodges's tweet.
Just for fun I asked Grok what it's opinion was.
Hi Grok, In your opinion, why is Hegseth recalling all the military top brass to DC?
Pete Hegseth, as the U.S. Secretary of Defense under the Trump administration, has indeed ordered a highly unusual and urgent recall of hundreds of the military's top generals and admirals—along with their senior staffs—from around the world to convene at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, next Tuesday (September 30, 2025). The Pentagon has confirmed the gathering but provided zero details on the agenda, which has left even the attendees in the dark and sparked widespread speculation, anxiety, and some outright alarm across military circles and in Washington.
In my view, this isn't some spontaneous team-building retreat or a surprise announcement of a new fitness challenge (though knowing Hegseth's background as a Fox News host and Army vet with a flair for the dramatic, I wouldn't entirely rule out a motivational speech laced with tough-love patriotism). Based on the context of his tenure so far, it's almost certainly a calculated power play aimed at accelerating his aggressive overhaul of the Pentagon's leadership structure. Hegseth has already fired over a dozen high-profile officers—including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. CQ Brown; the first female Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti; and Air Force Vice Chief Gen. James Slife—many of whom were diverse in background and seen as emblematic of what he derides as the "woke" politicization of the military.
He's also issued directives for a 20% cut in four-star officers, an additional 10% reduction across all general and flag ranks, and a 20% slash in National Guard generals, all under the banner of rooting out inefficiency, diversity initiatives he calls "discriminatory," and officers he accuses of playing "by all the wrong rules" to appease D.C. ideologues
This meeting feels like the next phase: a "general squid game," as one headline quipped, where Hegseth can deliver marching orders in person, assess loyalties up close, and potentially hand out pink slips en masse to those who don't align with the Trump administration's hardline national security vision.
It's theater of intimidation, designed to break the old guard and install a more ideologically uniform command that prioritizes combat readiness over what Hegseth sees as bureaucratic bloat or cultural distractions. Critics, including some congressional aides and retired officers, worry it's a security nightmare (herding all that top brass into one spot screams vulnerability to adversaries like China or Russia, who are undoubtedly taking notes) and a blatant loyalty test that could erode morale at a time when the U.S. faces real global threats.
That said, if it's not about firings or a full command restructure, the alternatives—like unveiling a major new military campaign or a sweeping DoD review—seem far less likely given the secrecy and the domestic focus.
Either way, it's a bold, disruptive move that underscores Hegseth's unapologetic approach: shake the tree hard, see what falls out, and rebuild in his image. Whether that ultimately strengthens or fractures the world's most powerful military remains to be seen, but it's a hell of a way to keep everyone on edge.
Hearing this from you confirms what I already know, that things are on the right track.
Grok is funny. Its an AI thst wants so badly to be put lefty spin on everything but is compelled to thow in some sane takes.
Thats a lot but unless im totally misreading, it sounds like it thinks what I also think is the most likely. Re-org and GO/FO reductions.
I think reductions at the top are a good thing that will help reduce costs and/or allow those dollars to move to priorities and maybe make certain aspects more efficient. We've gotten too top-heavy.
Of course the boss is going take the opportunity to pass on guidance. And of course to the extent possible the boss is going going make sure that the generals left after the re-org / reduction are the ones that he believes will be the best.
A re-org is a perfect opportunity to make personnel moves quickly. I think thats good and I'm glad its happening now. Im sure you disagree. And what.either one of us thinks does not matter at all.
Last edited:
I have no idea what it will be. The only thing that seems clear is that he wants them all physically present so that he can convey some kind of message that he obviously considers very important, and also to get their individual reactions to it. Could be firings, promotions, a speech about "warrior culture," or something else. Who knows?
So I take it from prior posts in this thread that you are retired military. Is that correct?
Yes. Im speculating here just like everyone else sometimes my opinions have some grounding in personal experience others are complete guesses. Or just opinions. I certainly dont have any inside track on current goings on.
From your prior posts, I take it that you are under 30 years old, likely working in your post grad degree. Is that correct?
Hegseth to Push ‘Warrior Ethos’ in Meeting of Top Generals — The Wall Street Journal
The summons from the Pentagon chief surprised senior officers, who are traveling to Virginia from all over the world
apple.news
from WSJ - sounds like it’s just a pep rally. I don’t mean for it to sound dismissive but lack the vocabulary at the moment. COMSYNC COMMAND SYNC
I disagree on your Grok take because what's happening is the Right is annoyed that the truth it tells pokes holes in their arguments so Elon has been tweaking it to reflect more right-wing propaganda, but it's struggling to do so when it searches for all evidence.
Anyway, I was stuck by this FAQ for Senior Military Officers at Hegseth’s Quantico Meeting by this military expert.
Check out his last paragraph:
Q. What should I do after the assembly?
A. Promptly prepare a memorandum setting forth everything that happened (unless it is classified). Consult competent counsel again, especially if any adverse action is proposed or taken against you at or after the assembly. Remember that fallout may include not only relief from your duty assignment but also a Board of Inquiry, involuntary retirement, a grade determination, and loss of your security clearance. And bear in mind that retired regular officers remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, including Article 88, which criminalizes contemptuous words — even if true — against, among others, the President, Secretary of Defense, and the service secretaries.
The Trump administration has shown no compunction about purging outstanding senior officers. It has been ruthless and unprincipled and it should not be assumed that either your values, past service, or personal interests count for anything in the current carnivorous environment.
FAQ for Senior Military Officers at Hegseth's Quantico Meeting
Military justice expert Eugene Fidell answers crucial questions ahead of next week's senior military meeting with Secretary Hegseth.
www.justsecurity.org
Military expert. lolol. Ambulance chasing lawyer. He probably has experience with representing people in military cases and is familiar with military law. But his personal opinions (the two bolded lines nare the bottom of your post) aren't worth ****. But will play nicely with those afflicted with Trump Derangement and who also suffer from over-inflated egos and warped priorities.
I am not suggesting that everyone in that room is a bad officer and should be fired. But there are those who have fallen upward and those who have somewhere along the line, lost their way.
Service means to serve. Your personal interests? Hahaha. Don't matter. Your values (wtf does that mean? "Selfless service" is a value of the officer corps across all branches of service).
Somtimes that means you need to ... retire. Sometimes that means you need to order men to do things that may cost them their lives. Sometimes you have to make decision that WILL cost people their lives. Sometimes if it comes down to it and orders won't work because people are to afraid, you are expected to lead by example and be the first while saying "follow me".
Anyone that has to retire will get a pension north of $11k / month that gets a cost of living adjustment every year, and cheap healthare for them and their families. Thats for a 1 star that rose quickly and maybe was promoted recently. At the top end, a 4star with 40ys of service would get $22K / month Boo hoo.
Nothing special about literally ANY of them. Someone retires., another person will be along to take their place. That's the way it works.
I am not suggesting that everyone in that room is a bad officer and should be fired. But there are those who have fallen upward and those who have somewhere along the line, lost their way.
Service means to serve. Your personal interests? Hahaha. Don't matter. Your values (wtf does that mean? "Selfless service" is a value of the officer corps across all branches of service).
Somtimes that means you need to ... retire. Sometimes that means you need to order men to do things that may cost them their lives. Sometimes you have to make decision that WILL cost people their lives. Sometimes if it comes down to it and orders won't work because people are to afraid, you are expected to lead by example and be the first while saying "follow me".
Anyone that has to retire will get a pension north of $11k / month that gets a cost of living adjustment every year, and cheap healthare for them and their families. Thats for a 1 star that rose quickly and maybe was promoted recently. At the top end, a 4star with 40ys of service would get $22K / month Boo hoo.
Nothing special about literally ANY of them. Someone retires., another person will be along to take their place. That's the way it works.
Trump says he'll attend Pete Hegseth's gathering of generals to tell them 'how well we're doing militarily'
In an interview with NBC News, Trump discussed the meeting and what he'll tell the military leaders: "You know the expression 'esprit de corps'? That's all it's about."
www.nbcnews.com
so basically a North Korea type ******** meeting. another proud moment for America.
really hope blood and guts Hegseth and Private Bone Spurs Trump can set these military guys straight as to how they're supposed to act.
really hope blood and guts Hegseth and Private Bone Spurs Trump can set these military guys straight as to how they're supposed to act.
Seems his credentials are more than just a lawyer:
Eugene R. Fidell
Eugene R. Fidell (LinkedIn) teaches Military Justice at Yale Law School and is of counsel at the Washington, DC firm Feldesman Leifer LLP. He is a co-author of Military Justice: Cases and Materials (Carolina Academic Press 4th ed. 2023).
It's got to be sickening for these generals to take orders from their inferiors.
To @ANEW s point these guys know what they sign up for when they get to that point in their career. It’s all political and it’s all volunteer. Those guys can resign their commission anytime. They are riding a train. Some may stay in to pay bills. Some may stay because they still want to serve. Some because they don’t know what else to do. But no matter the reason they know what is at stake professionally and personally, most obviously think it is worth it.
Knows military law. Expert in military law even. Not questioning his knowledge. Maybe not an ambulance chaser...maybe just another faculty member afflicted with Trump Derangment
I wonder what information you have that the men in uniform will be asked to put trump over God and country
Its called civilian control of the military. It is essential for our republic as we know it to survive. Thats the way it has always been. Through, slave owning presidents, drunks, aduterers, presidents with dementia, community organizers with radical ideologies, one who preyed on intern and got sexual gratification in the office at work, another who sends out mean tweets, does some ham fisted stuff and doesn't always act 'presidential'. Everyone is just fine.
Sorry, this administration can't be trusted and they prove it every day with their attempts to strangle any and all attempts that might seek to hold them accountable. They've dismantled all checks and balances, including IGs, JAGs, the independence of the Justice Dept., attacks on the Judiciary including ignoring court orders, an executive order that only he and Bondi can interpret the law, shutting down comedian critics, lying through a firehose to frame narratives, etc...etc...etc... It wouldn't surprise anyone if he attempted some type of loyalty pledge and or purge - sorry trusting him to do the right and honorable thing has long since sailed. I know you can't see it due to your TDS - Total Devotion Syndrome - but I don't expect anything good to come from this. Those of us who care, can clearly see a long term sinister plan developing....hope some of you speak up before it's too late.
Wow the world you live in sounds like a horrible place. Sorry to say that its probably going to get worse for you.
Me, I think the sun will come up, tomorrow. I'll bet my bottom dollar!
Of course it will because you're not on the enemies list, like one half of the country is. LOL
If one exists, I would have to agree with you. If you really think there is one, if I were you I'd start running now.
Ah hell no, I will stand up to fascism even if it lands me in the pokey. No way I'd give them what they want...
claims of destruction of America, end of democracy, cancelling elections etc are vastly overstated. It's not just trump who deal in hyperbole
He clearly knows military law, and he was offering advice to senior military leaders who might conceivably be getting summarily fired at this upcoming meeting. (Hegseth has mentioned "reductions in force" on multiple occasions recently, so that seems like a reasonable possibility.) It seems to me, as a fellow ambulance chaser, that he is eminently qualified to opine on THAT. If he veered off into issues like adequate staffing levels, military preparedness, military culture, or military operations, then I think you would be more than justified in criticizing him.
BTW, if you are going to continue mentioning Trump Derangement Syndrome without abbreviating it, you should make sure that "Derangement" contains the customary three "e's."
No im not disputing his legal qualifications. Not at all. In fact from his credentials provided by dpic it seems he's probably way more knowledgeable than the average bear on military law. (That wasnt intentional by the way). He was just adding opinion/hyperbole/conjecture in that post or whatever it was. I kinda assumed that the actual law stuff would be more or less accurate
Who the heck actually KNOWS the reasons for this or what is going to be said? I sure dont.
Even in the "normal" course of business there are Colonels/Captains that dont get stars and good GO/FOs with nothing bad about them that have to retire, purely based upon timing of when their clock runs out vs when they get confirmed by the senate and/or a spot opens up
If it is a major reduction in GO/FO spots then its going to be crazy. There have been attempts but nothing that ever reduced the numbers in aggregate. (44ea 4stars today vs 8ea 5stars and 5ea 4stars during WWII).
If this us just to have a pep talk, (however anyone wants to interperste that) then without any additional info I would question the whole thing. But I will give the people making the decisions the benefit of the doubt for now.
POTUS showing up ...my thought is , why not? If you have all those folks in VA, it think any POTUS would get an invite. It would be an affront if the secwar didnt extend an invite. IMHO.
Yeah I can tell you it sucked to serve under morons like Clinton, Obama and Biden.
It's sad that so many of you don't realize how stupid you sound.
It happens. The military is still a place where not everyone gets a trophy and not everyone gets star. There is no shame in topping out at 06. That is usually the mark of a very solid/great career.
It will definitely be interesting. There will be a lot of crushed egos and hurt feelings. Hard to believe the GO/FO is comparable to WWII with the other force reductions post WWII. Pretty certain GO, FO, and E9 are capped/controlled by Congress. So it will be interesting how those cuts would be managed w/o congressional support. Unless they are fired during the potential shutdown.
Explaining that hit on the travel cost to Congress, not to mention just the terrible inconvenience to a staff calendar for a pep rally would do more damage than good for the trust between the Boss and the various brass.
SPOT on. It might also be bad if he did not show. Cause more angst in the public view. Foreign Leaders might interpret it as poor alignment between the military and the CiC. In the US, that might not matter as much. Russia, North Korea, Myanmar and the ilk, such a display could make for international news.
I seriously doubt any of the three made them travel back to the states so they could be lectured to about the warrior ethos by a FoxNews weekend host.
Thank God we have you to tell us how stupid we sound without providing any elaboration on how or why we sound stupid. Much thanks.
Question: Did you ever rise above PFC?