Defense Secretary Initiates Review of Military Fitness Standards
In a memorandum, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes that upholding standards is essential for the military to safeguard America.
On March 12, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for a review of the fitness standards and grooming requirements within the U.S. military.
According to Hegseth, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness is tasked with reviewing any changes to the standards since January 1, 2015, and will provide insights into the reasons for these changes and their impacts.
Hegseth asserted, “We must be vigilant in upholding the standards that empower our military personnel to protect the American people and our homeland as the most formidable and effective fighting force globally.”
He continued, “Our adversaries are not weakening, nor are our tasks becoming easier. This review aims to clarify how the Department has maintained the essential standards in recent years and to identify any trends in changes to those standards.”
The military indicated that the review would be conducted swiftly, though no specific timeline was provided.
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Hegseth has expressed disapproval regarding changes to standards, which include the admission of women into ground combat roles.
The military began allowing women to serve in these positions in 2013, with complete integration achieved in subsequent years.
“As women cannot physically meet the same standards as men, the military faces two undesirable choices,” Hegseth wrote in his 2024 book “The War on Warriors,” while still serving as a Fox News host.
“They can either lower the standards for all to ensure more women meet infantry or combat requirements, or revert to gender-specific standards, which would enable women to qualify for infantry with lesser standards than men. Both methods have been attempted.”
He referenced the U.S. Army’s Airborne School, claiming it eliminated its daily five-mile run requirement during the integration of females into infantry units. Hegseth noted that this standard previously served to “filter out weaker candidates.”
In response to criticism from Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) regarding his earlier comments during his confirmation hearing, Hegseth stated, “It’s not about the abilities of men and women, but rather about the standards,” claiming that standards have diminished over time, affecting military readiness.
“Regardless of gender, all individuals must meet the same rigorous standards,” he subsequently added, which includes the capability to carry specified heavy weapons.
Hegseth remarked that “writing a book differs from holding the position of secretary of defense.”
“We are American warriors. We will protect our nation. Our standards will remain high, unwavering, and transparent,” he declared at that time. “The strength of our military lies in our unity and shared mission.”
