Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is taking bold steps to restore strength and discipline in the U.S. military. He ordered a full review of fitness, grooming, and body-fat standards across all branches. This move reverses years of what critics call “woke” policies that weakened our troops. Hegseth says high standards are essential to keep America safe from growing threats abroad.
The review targets rules changed since 2015, including relaxed grooming and body-composition policies. Beards, looser fitness tests, and gender-neutral standards are under scrutiny. Hegseth vows to eliminate “slack” rules that prioritize feelings over fighting. Pentagon leaders argue letting soldiers grow beards or skip shaving undermines discipline. Marines, for example, have already pushed back, saying beards don’t fit their tough image.
Physical fitness is a major focus. Hegseth declared, “Our troops will be fit—not fat.” The military is cracking down on body-fat allowances and tightening tape tests. Critics claim past leaders like Gen. Mark Milley let standards slide, harming readiness. The Air Force recently enforced stricter uniform rules, banning flashy nail polish and mandating haircuts that don’t touch the ears.
The Trump administration says this isn’t about politics—it’s about survival. Foreign adversaries like China and Russia aren’t wasting time on social experiments. They’re building armies focused purely on combat. Hegseth warns that lowered standards risk making our military a “joke” instead of a feared force. Restoring merit-based promotions and strict training will ensure troops can win real wars.
Liberal policies pushed under Biden and Obama damaged recruitment and morale, according to conservatives. DEI programs and gender ideology distracted from the military’s core mission. Recruitment numbers plummeted, with a 41,000-troop shortfall in 2023. Hegseth’s review aims to scrap divisive DEI offices and refocus on unity through shared purpose.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld praised Hegseth’s actions, saying “set bars and always set them higher.” Gutfeld argued woke bureaucrats care more about pronouns than preparedness. Hegseth, a combat veteran with two Bronze Stars, understands what it takes to lead. His no-nonsense approach contrasts with leaders who prioritized climate change over combat readiness.
The military’s shift back to tradition is winning support from troops tired of political correctness. Marines and Army soldiers have long complained that relaxed standards hurt unit cohesion. Strict grooming and fitness rules build pride and professionalism. As one Pentagon spokesman said, “Our enemies aren’t growing beards—they’re growing missiles.”
This overhaul is part of President Trump’s promise to put America first. By cutting waste and woke policies, the administration believes our military will regain its edge. Hegseth’s message is clear: weakness invites aggression. Strong, disciplined troops ready for battle are the best deterrent against global threats. The world’s most powerful military must act like it again.
