Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a comprehensive review of the physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards in the U.S. military. This directive, issued on Wednesday, follows recent changes by the Biden administration that relaxed certain grooming rules and body fat requirements for service members.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards, stating that these standards have been crucial in establishing the military as a formidable fighting force. In a memo to senior Pentagon leaders, he highlighted that unity and shared purpose strengthen the military. He believes that clear and uncompromising standards are essential for discipline and effectiveness.
The review will be led by the Pentagon’s under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. It aims to assess the current standards and how they have evolved over the past decade. Hegseth noted that the review will explore the reasons behind changes to these standards and their impacts on military readiness.
The secretary pointed out that all branches of the military set their own standards regarding fitness and grooming. Traditionally, beards have been banned unless there are medical or religious exemptions. However, the Biden administration had made efforts to promote diversity and inclusion by relaxing some grooming requirements. For instance, the Army now allows women to wear earrings and have dyed hair, while men can wear nail polish.
Additionally, the Air Force increased body fat limits for recruits, allowing males to have up to 26% body fat, up from 20%, and females up to 36%, an increase from 28%. Hegseth referenced the previous administration’s focus on basic standards and accountability, suggesting that even minor infractions can lead to a culture of laxity in more significant matters.
The review is expected to provide valuable insights into how military standards have been maintained and any shifts that have occurred. Hegseth’s initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that the armed forces remain prepared to face evolving challenges and threats.