Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces new military combat standards that will apply equally to men and women, eliminating gender-based fitness differences in favor of combat readiness.
Quick Takes
- Hegseth has signed a memo requiring equal physical fitness standards for men and women in combat roles
- The policy change targets what Hegseth called “slipping standards” in military fitness requirements
- New standards will be based on operational demands rather than gender considerations
- The directive includes plans to distinguish between combat and non-combat military occupations
- Hegseth emphasized that high standards are essential for military unity and combat effectiveness
Equal Standards for Combat Readiness
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated equal physical fitness standards for men and women seeking combat positions in the U.S. military. The directive, announced during Hegseth’s visit to Japan, represents a significant shift in Pentagon policy that previously allowed different physical requirements based on gender. The new standards will establish a single, sex-neutral baseline for all service members pursuing combat roles. Military officials have been instructed to develop implementation plans that clearly distinguish combat arms occupations from non-combat positions, with the former requiring more rigorous physical fitness assessments due to the demanding nature of these roles.
In his announcement, Hegseth directly criticized previous policies that permitted different standards for men and women in combat positions. The new directive follows a broader review of military fitness and grooming standards initiated by the current administration. The goal is to reinforce tougher requirements across all military branches while eliminating policies that Hegseth believes do not align with the traditional warrior ethos that has defined American armed forces. The memo specifically addresses physical fitness evaluations for infantry, armor, artillery, and special operations roles where strength and endurance are critical factors.
Prioritizing Combat Effectiveness
Hegseth’s directive emphasizes that combat readiness must take precedence over other considerations when determining military fitness standards. The policy change reflects concerns that differing physical requirements may have contributed to declining overall fitness levels within certain military units. Under the new guidelines, physical fitness benchmarks will be directly tied to operational demands rather than accommodating biological differences between male and female service members. The approach prioritizes mission requirements and combat effectiveness, with Hegseth stating that all personnel in combat positions must be fully capable of meeting the same rigorous criteria.
“Different standards for men and women in combat arms, MOS and jobs, that’s not acceptable.” – Pete Hegseth
The Defense Secretary has directed military leadership to establish clear guidelines that maintain the high standards necessary for combat roles regardless of gender. Certain positions will require particularly stringent physical assessments due to their critical nature in military operations. The memo does not suggest removing women from combat roles but rather insists that anyone in these positions must meet identical physical standards. Military branches have been instructed to review current testing protocols and adjust them to ensure they accurately measure the physical capabilities needed for successful performance in combat situations.
Strategic Changes Beyond Fitness Standards
During his visit to Japan, Hegseth announced additional strategic changes beyond the fitness standards directive. He outlined plans to upgrade U.S. military command structure in Japan to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. These plans include positioning a combined operational commander in Japan to work alongside Japan’s Self-defense forces, strengthening the military partnership between the two nations. Hegseth emphasized Japan’s role as a key ally in maintaining peace and security in the region, particularly in the face of growing threats from China.
“We need to have the same standards – male or female – in our combat roles to ensure our men and women who are under our leaders and in those formations have the best possible leaders and the highest possible standards that are not based at all on your sex.” – Pete Hegseth
The announcement follows similar efforts by the previous administration under President Biden, which had also worked to restructure U.S. military command in Japan to enhance coordination against China. Hegseth’s broader vision for military readiness emphasizes clarity of purpose and unity within the armed forces. He stated that maintaining high, uncompromising standards is essential for military cohesion and effectiveness. The fitness standards directive is part of a comprehensive approach to strengthen American military capabilities and ensure combat readiness across all branches of service.
Sources:
- Hegseth Calls For Equal Physical Standards For Men And Women In Combat Roles, Criticizes ‘Slipping’ U.S. Requirements
- Hegseth says he’s signing memo on combat arms standards for men and women
