In a rare gathering at Quantico, Virginia, President Donald Trump proposed deploying U.S. troops in American cities as "training grounds," aiming to sharpen homefront readiness against what he called the "invasion from within."
Addressing assembled admirals and generals, Trump said these deployments would offer real-world exercises on domestic soil. Joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, he framed the initiative as a way to test and elevate military preparedness without leaving the country.
The impromptu event summoned top commanders on short notice, underscoring the administration's push for swift and visible action. Trump's pitch aligns with a broader call to reinforce the U.S. armed forces' ties to the communities they protect.
Hegseth used the gathering to roll out 10 new directives aimed at tightening the Pentagon's culture. He declared, "The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos," targeting lax grooming standards and urging a leaner, sharper force.
He also pledged overhauls to how the department handles discrimination complaints and investigations, warning, "If the words I'm speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign."
The proposal and accompanying directives have sparked debate over civil-military boundaries and community impact. As local leaders and citizens weigh in, young global observers are watching to see how U.S. cities might transform into unconventional training grounds.
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Trump calls for using U.S. cities as a 'training ground' for military
cgtn.com
