Vance Fires Guns and Declares ‘No More Quotas’ in the Military During Marines Visit

Vice President JD Vance made waves during his visit to Quantico on Wednesday, where he addressed Marines and celebrated the removal of diversity-focused policies from the military. "No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings," Vance declared, emphasizing that under the current administration, the Marine Corps' strength lies in the diverse backgrounds of its members—not mandated diversity initiatives.

Vance described the Marines as embodying a "renewed sense of patriotism" and "commitment to excellence," sentiments he said were reflective of broader changes in military culture. His remarks came alongside demonstrations of military hardware as the VP fired several weapons, including an M27, M107, M240B, and even an inert Howitzer and drone, at the gun range. Clearly, Vance wasn’t just there for speeches; he was all in for the action.

Despite arriving three hours late, the VP explained he’d been held up in an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. "I said, 'Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me,'" Vance shared, adding that Trump sent his "love" and gratitude to the troops. While the Marines might have waited a bit longer than expected, they seemed thrilled to see a former Marine now holding the second-highest office in the land.

Lieutenants at Quantico expressed positivity about having a former Marine in the White House amidst rapid changes in Washington. However, they noted adjustments in military policies, particularly new restrictions on social media postings—an ongoing tug-of-war between tradition and modernization.

Vance's visit also marked his first public remarks since a leaked Signal group chat revealed his concerns about Houthi strikes in the Red Sea. While Vance avoided media questions regarding the leak, the chat showed him grappling with the balance between U.S. and European interests. "I just hate bailing Europe out again," he said bluntly in one message, which was met with agreement from other officials lamenting Europe’s reliance on American intervention.

Despite the diplomatic back-and-forth revealed in the chat, Vance ultimately signaled readiness to act following President Trump’s directive to reopen shipping lanes. "If you think we should do it, let’s go," he said, encapsulating his pragmatic approach to foreign policy. While some might find his candor refreshing, it’s also a reminder that geopolitics often comes with a dose of gritted teeth diplomacy.

The VP’s no-nonsense attitude continues to be a defining feature of his political style, whether he's addressing Marines, debating military strategy, or firing off rounds at a gun range. One thing’s clear: Vance is not afraid to shake things up—or call them out.