Hegseth Orders Military Standards Review Amid Policy Shifts

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated a comprehensive review of military standards across physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, including regulations on beards. This review, initiated through a memo to senior Pentagon leadership, aims to ensure that the military remains the world's most effective fighting force as the standards have shifted since January 1, 2015, especially following the opening of combat roles to women in December 2015. Hegseth, who has previously criticized the inclusion of women in combat roles, emphasizes maintaining high, gender-neutral standards to ensure readiness and meritocracy. The review will be conducted by the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, examining how these standards have evolved and their current trajectory. It will also explore the rationale behind changes in these standards and their impact on military effectiveness. This initiative aligns with Hegseth's broader agenda to restore traditional military standards and deter 'woke' policies perceived as weakening the military's combat readiness.