Hegseth orders review of military fitness and grooming standards: ‘Our adversaries are not growing weaker’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Initiates Review of Military Fitness and Grooming Standards

In a significant move to strengthen the U.S. military, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a comprehensive review of the armed forces’ fitness and grooming standards. This action comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reverse policies that critics argue have undermined the perceived strength and lethality of the U.S. military on the global stage. Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure the military remains the world’s most effective fighting force, capable of protecting American interests and deterring adversaries.

The Memo and Its Focus

Hegseth directed the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, Darin Selnick, to compile and assess the existing fitness, body composition, and grooming standards across all branches of the military. This includes regulations related to physical fitness tests, body fat percentages, and even policies on beardlength and other personal grooming practices. The review aims to "illuminate how the department has maintained the level of standards required over the recent past and the trajectory of any change in those standards." By examining how these standards have evolved since January 1, 2015, the review will provide insights into whether the military has become less stringent in its expectations.

The Importance of High Standards in the Military

Hegseth has been vocal about his commitment to restoring what he calls the "warrior ethos" within the military. He believes that high, uncompromising standards are essential to the effectiveness and unity of the armed forces. In a January 25 memo to service members, he stated, "Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose." By reverting to tougher standards, Hegseth hopes to reverse what he describes as "woke" policies that he believes have distracted the military from its core mission.

The Review Process and Its Objectives

The review will analyze the changes in military standards over the past eight years, focusing on whether these changes have weakened the overall readiness and cohesion of the force. Hegseth has expressed concerns that certain policies, such as relaxed grooming standards or reduced physical fitness requirements, may have inadvertently compromised the military’s ability to project strength and deterrence. The review will also assess the impact of these changes on morale, discipline, and the perception of the U.S. military by allies and adversaries alike.

The Connection Between Standards and Military Effectiveness

Hegseth’s initiative reflects a broader debate about the role of the military in modern society and the balance between inclusivity and readiness. While some argue that relaxed standards have allowed for greater diversity and recruitment, Hegseth and other critics contend that such changes have come at the cost of the military’s combat efficiency and global reputation. By revisiting these standards, the Department of Defense aims to ensure that the U.S. military remains a cohesive, disciplined, and lethal force capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly competitive and dangerous world.

The Significance of This Initiative

The review of military fitness and grooming standards is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reshape the military’s culture and priorities. Hegseth’s focus on restoring high standards aligns with his broader vision of reestablishing the military as a dominant force on the world stage. While the initiative has been met with support from some who believe it will strengthen the military’s effectiveness, others have raised concerns that it may alienate service members who value the more inclusive policies of recent years. Regardless, the review marks an important step in the ongoing conversation about the identity and purpose of the U.S. military.