Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is cracking down on the softening of America’s military, ordering a full review of fitness and grooming standards to ensure that our fighting force is the most lethal and effective in the world.
In a blistering memo to senior Pentagon leadership, Hegseth directed Under Secretary Darin Selnick to examine physical fitness requirements, body composition standards, and even grooming regulations like beards. The review will look at how standards have shifted since 2015, exposing how past leadership weakened America’s military in favor of politically correct policies.
“We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force,” Hegseth said. He didn’t mince words—our adversaries are getting stronger, and the U.S. military cannot afford to keep lowering the bar.
This is the latest move in Trump’s campaign to rebuild America’s military strength and warrior ethos. Since taking office, the administration has systematically reversed the “woke” policies that critics say undermined discipline, toughness, and combat effectiveness. Hegseth has made it clear: standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear.
The military exists to win wars, not to accommodate social experiments. For years, Democrats watered down fitness requirements, embraced lower standards in the name of “inclusivity”, and pushed policies that had nothing to do with battlefield effectiveness. That era is over.
Hegseth’s order sends a loud and clear message: If you can’t meet the standards, you don’t belong in uniform. The world is more dangerous than ever, and America needs a fighting force that instills fear in our enemies—not one that bends to leftist ideology.
Trump and Hegseth are bringing back real leadership to the Pentagon. The days of lowering the bar to appease activists are done. The warrior culture is back—and it’s about time.
