Re Hegseth and his generals - sounds like Trump isn't up to speed but Vance is...
Also from NYT:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned scores, and perhaps hundreds, of generals and admirals from around the world to meet on short notice next week at a Marine Corps base in Virginia but has not disclosed the reason for the gathering, four U.S. officials said on Thursday.
The unusual directive, which has been filtering its way through military commands, and the undisclosed rationale, has stirred anxiety and concern among the military’s top ranks in a period when Mr. Hegseth has fired several senior officers.
The four U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential meetings, confirmed that the gathering was scheduled for next Tuesday at the base in Quantico, Va.
There are about 800 general-level officers in the armed forces, including 44 at the most senior, four-star level. It was not immediately clear how many of them would be ordered to the gathering, which was reported earlier by The Washington Post.
When asked by reporters at the White House about the summit, President Trump initially appeared unfamiliar with Mr. Hegseth’s plans. He seemed to assume that the defense secretary was bringing foreign military officers in for a meeting.
“I think it is great; let him be friendly with generals and admirals from all over the world,” Mr. Trump replied. “Remember, I’m the president of peace.”
Vice President JD Vance interrupted to clarify that the summit was for U.S. generals and downplayed its significance.
“It’s not particularly unusual that generals who report to the secretary of war and then to the president of the United States are coming to speak with the secretary of war,” Mr. Vance said. “I think it’s odd that you guys have made it into such a big story.”
Hmm, maybe there's going to be some 'corporate away-day' style team-building games to weed out the uncommitted?