Defense Secretary Addresses Military Cultural Shift

Why it matters locally: North Carolina is home to several major military installations, including Fort Liberty, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, making any changes in military culture and policy directly relevant to a significant portion of its population and economy.

QUANTICO, Va. — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth informed hundreds of junior military officers and enlisted leaders on Wednesday that the Trump administration has facilitated a cultural shift in the military. Hegseth made his remarks during a "State of the Force" address at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The audience included both officers and enlisted personnel. Alex Wong photographed the event.