A morning training session took place at the Pentagon with approximately 600 mid-level military personnel and officers, joined by Defense Department head Pete Hegseth. The event was held on the Pentagon's parade ground early in the morning. According to Hegseth, he aims to establish direct dialogue with service members and learn their views on current issues affecting personnel. Such joint training sessions are viewed as a way to strengthen the bond between military leadership and rank-and-file employees, as well as an opportunity for informal communication outside official meetings. Event participants represented various units and ranks, which made it possible to capture a broad range of opinions from mid-career military personnel. The initiative fits into a broader effort to increase transparency in military leadership and boost morale in the armed forces. It has not yet been reported whether similar meetings are planned on a regular basis or if this was a one-time event.