WASHINGTON — Just hours after assuming the post as the 27th White House Chief of Staff, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly has vowed to lead the White House through what he called "a tough and turbulent" all-hands squad push-up.

The push-up, which will involve all 4,000 members of the White House staff and Executive Office of the President, will be carried out later today on the South Lawn. Kelly has not yet specified if it will consist of multiple groups doing squad push-ups, or a giant 'human centipede'-style formation.

Kelly made the announcement on Monday at his inaugural staff meeting, which was attended by the White House staff and press corps.

When asked about his leadership style, Kelly quoted George S. Patton, saying, "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." He added, "I intend to get all the sweat of you that I can," to nervous laughter.

He also issued orders to immediately close the White House Mess, saying that his staff should "only be hungry for knowledge and pa…