Hundreds of US generals and admirals gathered at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia on Tuesday after being summoned from their posts all around the world.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth informed military leaders of the 10 new directives the department would be implementing. The directives include new standards around physical fitness, grooming, and the return to “the highest male standard” for combat positions. US President Donald Trump also addressed the generals.

The BBC’s Bernd Debusmann, who was at the military gathering, describes how the unusual meeting unfolded.