Secretary Hegseth Announces Military Fitness Overhaul, Fires Top Officers Amid Culture Shift

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth convened hundreds of top military leaders at Quantico to announce a sharp shift in military policy aimed at removing progressive and "woke" influences from the armed forces, emphasizing a return to merit-based standards and a "warrior ethos." Hegseth criticized diversity initiatives and politically correct policies, declaring an end to identity-based programs and calling for higher physical fitness standards, especially targeting "fat troops" and "fat generals." His speech received mixed reactions: some veterans and military supporters praised the focus on lethality and accountability, while many military officials and women in the service expressed disappointment and concern, viewing the message as exclusionary and partisan. Notably, Hegseth has opposed women in combat roles, which has fueled further criticism from those who feel marginalized by the new direction. The reshuffling of top military leadership, including the firing of high-ranking minority and female officers, underscored the administration's commitment to this cultural and structural overhaul. Critics described the speech as a partisan, campaign-style address that failed to resonate with many in attendance, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding the military's evolving identity under President Trump's administration.