As the government faces a potential shutdown, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are set to address military leaders at a Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday. The event will gather several hundred high-ranking military commanders who were summoned on short notice from around the globe.

Hegseth is scheduled to begin the event at 8:15 a.m. ET with a 30-minute speech focusing on the "warrior ethos," a concept that emphasizes the spirit and effectiveness of combat units. He is also expected to discuss the enforcement of combat standards and new grooming requirements, including mandates for troops to remain clean-shaven.

Following Hegseth's address, Trump will deliver his own remarks before the military leaders return to their respective duty stations. The meeting was announced just days ago, leaving many officers to travel to Quantico without prior knowledge of the agenda.

Speculation about the meeting's purpose has circulated, with some suggesting it could relate to urgent military cuts or a new national defense strategy for Trump's second term. However, sources indicate that the event is likely to resemble a motivational rally, similar to Hegseth's public speeches and interviews. The remarks will be livestreamed, providing a significant media opportunity as Hegseth speaks to top military officials.

The White House unexpectedly announced Trump's participation in the event on Sunday, but details about his planned remarks remain unclear. The Defense Department, which has been rebranded by Trump and Hegseth as the "Department of War," has not disclosed the costs associated with flying in the military leaders on short notice, though expenses are expected to reach several hundred thousand dollars.

Currently, there are 838 active-duty general officers and admirals, with 446 holding two-star ranks or higher, according to Pentagon statistics. The meeting occurs as Congress approaches a deadline to pass a spending bill by midnight Wednesday, which could prevent a government shutdown. If a shutdown occurs, approximately 2 million troops may have to work without pay.

Most military personnel are expected to receive their pay on October 1, but future payments depend on ongoing negotiations in Congress, which are currently stalled. A contingency plan from the Pentagon indicates that all active-duty troops will continue to work, and contracts will proceed under increased scrutiny, prioritizing efforts related to border security and military operations in the Middle East.

Concerns have been raised that commanders attending the event could be stranded away from their posts if the government shuts down. However, government guidelines state that personnel must return home as soon as possible if a shutdown occurs during work travel. Any travel costs incurred after the shutdown would be subject to review.