Quantico, VA – A closed-door meeting convened by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, is projected to cost “millions of dollars,” according to defense analysts, and has prompted concerns about potential command vulnerabilities while numerous top military officials are absent from their posts.The gathering, which includes hundreds of senior military officers, coincides with a visit from former President donald Trump, further escalating logistical and security challenges.
The meeting’s purpose remains largely undisclosed, fueling speculation about its focus and potential policy shifts within the Department of Defense. Experts note the unusual nature of requiring such a large assembly of high-ranking officers to attend in person.
“Gaps in command worldwide are potentially hazardous,” stated Mark Cancian, a defense expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a recent analysis. “Although there will be acting commanders still in place, the large number of absentees might open a vulnerability.”
The financial burden of the event is substantial. “That’s not going to be cheap,” said one source familiar with the planning. Costs include lodging – potentially “five or 10 rooms for a senior commander” – daily stipends for meals and incidentals, and extensive security measures.
Trump’s presence necessitates a important Secret Service detail, adding to the complexity of securing Quantico. The increased security protocols are also causing disruptions to normal base operations. The National museum of the Marine Corps will be closed on September 30th, base libraries are shuttered, and students at the base’s elementary school have been given the day off.
“Security at Quantico will be a nightmare,” Cancian wrote. Local residents anticipate major traffic congestion on the interstate near the base and within the surrounding town,population 587.