Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for a sweeping evaluation of the physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards across all branches of the U.S. military, and the effort aims to realign these metrics with the fundamental mission of warfighting and rectify standards he believes have deteriorated in recent years.

Hegseth’s review seeks to rejuvenate the military’s preparedness and fighting capabilities by reassessing new -- arguably -- diminished standards implemented over the last decade, as Breitbart reports.

The secretary announced this initiative on March 12, and it is poised to scrutinize policies dating back to Jan. 1, 2015, in order to understand the causes and consequences of any changes.

Hegseth highlighted his objectives in a statement, emphasizing the importance of strong standards for military readiness and effectiveness. He commented, "We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force."

Commitment to Restoring Standards

The review's initiation follows concerns that military standards weakened during the time when Mark Milley was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. John Ullyot, a spokesperson, criticized Milley’s tenure, stating that poor personal example contributed to the decline in standards. He added, “Secretary Hegseth is committed to restoring high standards, and this review is the first step in doing so.”

A notable aspect of Hegseth's plan is the adoption of gender-neutral standards based on job requirements. This policy shift intends to eliminate any disparity in expectations between male and female service members, ensuring that all personnel are evaluated by a uniform standard, particularly in roles demanding physical exertion.

Hegseth elaborated on this point, saying, “Because in those ground combat roles, what is true is that the weight of the ruck on your back does not change...the weight of the 240-Bravo machine gun you might have to carry does not change.” He stressed that gender should not influence the standards for these roles.

Removing Political Influences from Military Norms

In reinforcing the need for consistent high standards, Hegseth pointed out, “The standards need to be the same, and they need to be high.” He emphasized the necessity for these standards to be crafted by those directly engaged in specific military functions, such as commanding officers and others who understand operational requirements.

Another critical component of Hegseth's strategy is the exclusion of political or ideological considerations from decisions about military standards. He asserted, “And no other set of political prerogatives...should contribute to those determinations. Nothing other than the execution of the mission.”

Since assuming the role of Defense secretary, Hegseth has prioritized physical fitness. He has even participated in physical training sessions with troops, such as one with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany, to underscore his commitment.

Review Addresses Physical Readiness Concerns

This review represents not just a check on existing standards but a proactive step towards redefining them to ensure the military remains resilient against evolving global threats. Hegseth warned against complacency, stating, “Our adversaries are not growing weaker, and our tasks are not growing less challenging.”

This comprehensive assessment will analyze the effectiveness of the military's current standards and predict their trajectory based on past adjustments. The review is expected to provide insights into how well equipped the Department of Defense has been to uphold the necessary level of preparedness over the years.

Hegseth's review is anticipated to pinpoint areas where military standards may have lagged, offering a pathway to corrective measures aimed at fortifying the readiness and cohesion of U.S. military forces. The outcomes of this initiative may set the stage for policy changes to bolster the military's core functions.

Ensuring Consistency in Military Metrics

Hegseth's declaration to uphold unit cohesion and operational success underscores the importance of unified expectations. The proposed overhaul seeks not only to address present deficiencies but also to future-proof military operational standards.

Throughout this process, Hegseth plans to actively engage with different military branches and their leadership to incorporate varied perspectives into the review. By consulting those entrenched in the operations, the Defense secretary aims to craft enduring and applicable standards.

Ultimately, the review efforts led by Secretary Pete Hegseth set a proactive tone for revisiting and strengthening the U.S. military’s preparedness for future engagements. By striving to strip away any political bias and ensure job-relevant standards, Hegseth's directive aims to foster a more unified and effective fighting force.