Pete Hegseth Announces Major Military Fitness Overhaul

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has launched a significant initiative aimed at enhancing military fitness and readiness, targeting what he describes as “fat generals” and underperforming troops. During a spirited address at the FAFO military meeting on September 30, 2023, at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, Hegseth outlined a series of reforms designed to elevate standards across the armed forces.

Hegseth’s speech introduced the first of ten new directives from the Department of War, emphasizing that physical readiness is essential. He asserted that every member of the military, from entry-level privates to senior four-star generals, will now face stricter requirements. “At my direction, the Department of War is implementing new directives to ensure that every combat MOS and combat arms position returns to the highest male standard,” Hegseth stated, which includes mandated physical fitness tests, height and weight requirements, and rigorous physical training.

The Secretary’s remarks highlighted his dissatisfaction with the current state of physical fitness within military ranks. He expressed frustration at observing overweight personnel in both combat formations and senior leadership roles. “Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops. Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon,” he remarked.

Hegseth emphasized that all service members, regardless of their role or rank, are expected to meet the established fitness standards. He clarified that this initiative would not involve less demanding exercises. “We’re not talking like hot yoga and stretching. Real hard PT, either as a unit or as an individual,” he explained.

End of Diversity Initiatives

In conjunction with fitness reforms, Hegseth announced the termination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military, which he criticized as distractions from combat readiness. He indicated that past promotions have often stemmed from factors unrelated to performance, such as race or gender quotas. “For too long, we’ve promoted too many uniform leaders for the wrong reasons — based on their race, based on gender quotas, based on historic so-called firsts. That ends now,” he stated.

The Secretary’s statements included plans to eliminate DEI offices, identity months, and similar initiatives, framing these changes as a return to merit-based leadership. He argued that the focus should shift back to combat capabilities and readiness, ensuring that leaders exemplify the standards they expect from their subordinates.

Additionally, Hegseth introduced modifications to whistleblower and oversight procedures, which include restrictions on repetitive anonymous complaints and the integration of artificial intelligence to expedite report evaluations. While some critics have raised concerns that these reforms might deter reporting, Hegseth defended the changes as necessary to streamline processes and allow commanders to concentrate on warfighting.

This announcement represents a notable departure from recent Pentagon policies, highlighting discipline, combat readiness, and accountability in leadership. Hegseth concluded his address by asserting the expectation that all military personnel should not only meet but exceed established standards. “If the Secretary of War can do regular hard PT, so can every member of our joint force,” he declared.

The reforms are intended to restore a sense of “common sense” to military operations, reinforcing the notion that leaders must embody the same standards they impose on their troops.