Hundreds of generals and admirals of the US military stationed in different countries around the world have suddenly been summoned to the United States. It is said that they have been called to a meeting in Virginia on an urgent basis by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

However, the purpose or agenda of the mysterious meeting has not been clarified. Al Jazeera reported this information in a report on Friday (September 26) citing US media.

The media says that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called top military officials from around the world to a meeting in Virginia next week. Analysts believe that such an unusual gathering rarely happens.

The US media first reported this news on Thursday. Later, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed it. However, Pete Hegseth did not clarify why the US Army generals and Navy admirals were suddenly called to this meeting on such an urgent basis or what the agenda of the discussion would be.

Al Jazeera says that there are about 800 generals and admirals in the US Army. Many of them are in charge of thousands of troops, many of whom are stationed at sensitive foreign bases. Their schedules are usually set weeks in advance.

“Everyone is scrambling to change their schedules and wondering if they have to go there (to attend the meeting in Virginia),” a military official told Reuters.

“The secretary of war will address his senior military officials early next week,” said Pentagon spokesman Parnell.

Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump said he welcomed the meeting at a White House signing ceremony. “I love it. I think it’s great. It’s good to have friendly relations with the generals and admirals.”

However, Trump played down concerns about the move to such a high-profile national security position. He countered with reporters, “Why is it such a big deal? If we have good relations with generals and admirals, what’s the harm? I’m a president of peace. It’s good to have good relations.”

Vice President J.D. Vance, who was present, also dismissed the criticism as unimportant. “It’s not unusual for generals who serve as defense secretary to meet with their secretary of defense. The fact that journalists are asking questions about it is rather strange.”

Al Jazeera says that since taking office for a second term in January of this year, Trump and Hegseth have begun to make sweeping changes to the Defense Department. As part of this, several top military officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown, have been dismissed.

In May, Trump ordered a 20 percent reduction in the number of four-star generals. In addition, a 10 percent reduction in the number of generals and flag officers across the military was announced.

Hegseth also called for an end to pluralism or diversity initiatives. As a result, several officials associated with such programs have been removed from their posts. He said the military must now focus on “increasing lethality” and “restoring the warrior spirit.”

Earlier this month, President Trump announced a policy of referring to the Department of Defense as the “Department of War.” The agency had been known by that name until 1949. However, a permanent name change would require congressional approval.