Defense Secretary Hegseth Orders Review of Military Fitness and Grooming Standards

The review will evaluate changes to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming policies since 2015, citing concerns over military readiness and discipline.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed a Pentagon-wide review of military standards for physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, including beard regulations.
The review will examine how these standards have evolved since January 1, 2015, and assess the reasons and impacts of those changes.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining high and clear standards to ensure the U.S. military remains a unified and effective fighting force.
Changes made during the Biden administration, such as relaxed grooming rules and increased body fat allowances, will be scrutinized as part of the review.
The initiative reflects Hegseth's broader effort to restore a focus on readiness, discipline, and the military's core warfighting mission.