Pete Hegseth Criticizes ‘Overweight’ Military Personnel: War Secretary’s Controversy

New Military Fitness Requirements Announced

Pete Hegseth, leading the newly named Department of War, criticized “overweight generals and admirals,” calling it a “bad look” as he introduced new military fitness requirements.

Physical Fitness and Appearance Importance

“Physical fitness and appearance are paramount,” Hegseth claimed, while addressing a gathering of top military officials in Quantico, Virginia, on September 30th. He set forth height and weight requirements for all members of the armed forces. “It’s exhausting to witness overweight troops in any formation,” he expressed.

The Secretary of War insists that if he can participate in regular hard PT [physical training], so can every member of our joint force.”

No Exceptions to New Requirements

Hegseth, 45, continued: “It’s entirely unacceptable to see overweight generals and admirals in the Pentagon halls and leading commands nationally and internationally. It’s a poor image. It’s not who we are.”

“No one is exempt from these new fitness requirements. Whether you’re an airborne ranger, or a chairborne ranger, a fresh private, or a four-star general, you’ll need to meet the height and weight standards and pass your PT test,” said Hegseth.

“As of today, under my directives, every member of the Joint Force, regardless of rank, is obligated to take a PT test twice a year and meet height and weight requirements annually. In addition, all warriors across our joint force are required to do PT every duty day. This should be commonplace. Most units already practice this.”

More Details About the New Fitness Requirements

In his announcement, Hegseth stated, “I don’t want my son serving alongside out of shape troops, in a combat unit with females who can’t meet the same physical standards as men, or with troops not proficient with their assigned weapons platform or task.”

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Hegseth also announced a return to the “highest male standard only” for combat roles.

“This isn’t about preventing women from serving,” he clarified. “We greatly value the contribution of female troops, but any job that requires physical strength for combat, those standards must be high and gender-neutral.”

“If women can meet the standards, excellent. If not, that’s how it is. If this means no women qualify for combat jobs, so be it,” he added, noting that the new guidelines will eliminate “weak men, because we’re not playing games.”

He also announced an end to “men in women’s clothing” and “climate change worship.”

“No more distractions,” he asserted. “We are done with that.”