US Military Convenes General Officer Conference; Trump "Breaks Convention" to Discuss Border and Law and Order

　　WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Correspondent Chen Mengtong reports: "We must restore law and order. We must have the world's strongest military, and also the most secure border." US President Trump addressed US military generals on September 30, stating the above.

　　The US military general officer conference, convened by US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, was held on September 30 at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. Trump delivered a lengthy speech lasting over an hour that day, touting the US military's strength and its achievements in mediating regional conflicts, while again mentioning the use of military forces for law enforcement in US cities.

　　The Associated Press described Trump's remarks that day as "tough and unconventional." Its analysis suggested that this shows the Trump administration is not only attempting to reshape Pentagon culture but also intends to utilize military resources to serve the president's priorities, even for domestic affairs, including quelling unrest and combating violent crime.

　　Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, who attended alongside Trump, also gave a lengthy speech, urging military commanders to move away from a leadership style of "political correctness and excessive sensitivity," to strengthen military training, and to focus on enhancing the military's combat capabilities.

　　Esper said that day, "We must prepare for war, not just for defense." "Now we are giving you back real time; less PPT briefings and online courses, more training and range time."

　　Esper issued several new directives to the US military, requiring, among other things, enhanced physical fitness standards and testing for all including generals, strict grooming standards management, and an end to the "risk-averse" and "zero-defect" command culture, etc. "In the Department of War, promotions for the joint force will be based on one thing only: merit, regardless of race or gender."

　　US public opinion points out that this meeting has sparked widespread speculation due to its hasty convening and unclear reasons. Urgently recalling generals from conflict zones to listen to a speech on race and gender issues indicates that the Pentagon, against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global security situation, is still turning its focus inward, towards domestic matters.