U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth launched a fierce critique against generals, admirals, and soldiers who fail to meet physical fitness standards during an emergency meeting at the Quantico base in Virginia. He declared that he “doesn’t want to see obese officers walking the halls of the Pentagon again,” adding that from now on, everyone serving must meet strict height and weight requirements.

Hegseth, who has made physical fitness a central pillar of military discipline during his tenure, stated that “everything starts with appearance and endurance.” He even pointed to his own example, saying that he regularly participates in demanding training programs: “If the Secretary of Defense can do intense daily workouts, then every member of our joint force can too.”

According to the new guidelines he announced, all members of the Armed Forces will be required to undergo height and weight checks twice a year. Furthermore, those serving in combat units must meet “exclusively the top male standard” of physical fitness, achieving scores above 70% on their branch’s fitness tests.

“I don’t want my son serving next to soldiers who are out of shape, in a unit with women who don’t meet the same physical readiness standards as men, or under a leader who was first but not the best,” he remarked.

He emphasized that “standards must be uniform, gender-neutral, and high.”

End of Beards – or Find Another Job

In this context, he also addressed other aspects of personal appearance within the Armed Forces, saying:

“No more beards, long hair, or superficial personal expression. We will cut our hair, shave our beards, and comply with the standards.”

He added that anyone who wants to keep a beard should “join the special forces.”

“We don’t have an army full of Scandinavian pagans,” he continued. “Unfortunately, we’ve had leaders who either refused to call nonsense what it is and enforce standards, or who felt they weren’t allowed to enforce them.”
He added that if someone can’t meet combat fitness standards, can’t pass physical tests, or doesn’t want to comply with grooming standards, “it’s time for a new position or a new profession.”

SECRETARY OF WAR HEGSETH: “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses."

"No more climate change worship, no more division, distraction, or gender delusions."

"We are done with that s***.” pic.twitter.com/rTBRjfzUSa

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2025

The End of “Political Correctness”

Hegseth openly criticized what he called “toxic ideologies and social justice” within the military, arguing that the current administration has eliminated diversity programs, gender identity events, and climate policies.

“We can’t go another day without addressing the problem within our own ranks. As I’ve said before, we’re done with this nonsense,” he declared emphatically.

During his speech, attended by hundreds of senior officers, Hegseth conveyed that “the era of political correctness and leadership afraid of hurting feelings is over.”

“You either meet the standard, you can do the job, and you’re disciplined and fit — or you’re out,” he stated.