Vice President JD Vance fired weapons and shared lunch with young Marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico during his Wednesday visit.
According to Fox News, the vice president celebrated the end of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the military while emphasizing a renewed focus on military excellence and patriotism.
During his visit, Vance demonstrated his familiarity with military equipment by operating various weapons, including an M27, M107, and M240B firearms, as well as handling an inert Howitzer and a drone at the base's gun range. He also took time to serve food at the base's chow hall, engaging directly with service members.
The vice president's remarks highlighted the current administration's departure from previous military policies. Vance emphasized that the armed forces would no longer implement quota systems or conduct diversity training sessions.
Speaking to the assembled Marines, Vance praised the natural diversity that emerges from recruiting service members from various backgrounds across America. He stressed that this organic representation strengthens the military more effectively than mandated diversity programs.
The lieutenants at Quantico expressed enthusiasm about having a former Marine in the White House. They noted that while significant changes were occurring in Washington, their daily military routines remained largely unchanged, except for new restrictions on social media posts.
The vice president's appearance at Quantico marked his first public engagement since the revelation of his private communications regarding Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. When reporters attempted to question him about the leaked Signal chat, he did not respond.
The leaked messages revealed Vance's concerns about U.S. involvement in protecting European shipping interests. In the group chat, which inadvertently included The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, Vance questioned the strategic value of U.S. intervention.
Pete Hegseth, another participant in the chat, acknowledged Vance's reservations while advocating for immediate action. The exchange highlighted tensions between supporting European allies and maintaining America's strategic interests.
The vice president arrived at the Marine base three hours behind schedule, attributing the delay to an extended meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. Vance shared details of his conversation with the president regarding the importance of the Quantico visit.
The Marines demonstrated patience during the delay, maintaining their training schedules until the vice president's arrival. When Vance finally reached the base, he conveyed President Trump's messages of appreciation to the assembled service members.
During his address, Vance stated:
No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings. We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation's wars.
JD Vance's visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico highlighted the administration's efforts to reshape military culture by eliminating diversity quotas and DEI training programs. The vice president, a former Marine himself, spent time firing weapons, operating military equipment, and serving food at the base's chow hall while conveying President Trump's appreciation for the service members. Despite arriving late due to an Oval Office meeting, Vance used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of combat readiness and traditional military values, though he notably avoided addressing questions about recently leaked Signal chat messages regarding Houthi strikes.
