Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Imposes Strict Military Fitness Standards, Blasts “Fat Troops” and Generals

Hegseth Targets Military Fitness Standards

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has launched a sweeping overhaul of physical requirements for U.S. service members. Speaking before top officials at Marine Corps Base Quantico, he declared that every member of the armed forces — from new recruits to four-star generals — must now pass fitness and weight standards twice a year.

“Fat Troops” Are a “Bad Look”

In reporting by People’s Cara Lynn Shultz, Hegseth, 45, is quoted blasting “fat generals and admirals” as a poor reflection of the military. He argued the same rules will apply across all ranks. “If the Secretary of War can do regular hard PT, so can every member of our joint force,” he said.

Return to Male Combat Standards

Hegseth also announced that combat roles will return to the “highest male standard only.” Women can still serve, he said, but combat jobs must remain based on strength. “If women can make it, excellent. If not, so be it,” he added. The new policy, he argued, will also remove “weak men.”

Twice-Yearly Testing Now Required

Every service member must now take a PT test and meet height and weight standards twice a year. Hegseth stressed that daily physical training should be routine, not the exception.

Additional Policy Shifts

Hegseth also criticized Pentagon policies he sees as distractions. He rejected what he called “climate change worship” and ended tolerance for “dudes in dresses.”

Hegseth’s comments highlight a sharp shift in priorities at the Department of War. His remarks, first detailed by Cara Lynn Shultz at People, sparked strong reactions as the military braces for stricter standards across every branch.