Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Orders Review of U.S. Military Fitness and Grooming Standards

The Pentagon-wide review will assess changes to physical and grooming requirements since 2015 and their impact on military effectiveness.

The review, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will examine physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards across all military branches.
The review will focus on changes made since January 1, 2015, including relaxed standards under the Biden administration, such as increased body fat allowances and grooming flexibility.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure the military remains a disciplined and effective fighting force.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness will oversee the review, which aims to evaluate the operational impact of these changes and consider standardization across branches.
The findings, expected in the coming months, may lead to stricter standards as part of Hegseth's push to restore a 'warrior ethos' and reverse policies he views as detrimental to readiness.