The Pentagon is seeking troops who meet certain “physical standards,” including “impeccable grooming,” to attend an address Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to deliver later this month, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The report, based on an internal review of emails, said that officials had asked commanders to nominate troops who meet the Army’s waist-to-height ratio to attend Hegseth’s Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address.
MS NOW has not independently reviewed those emails.
According to the Journal, the internal directive also calls for nominees who are “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates.” It says nominees will ultimately be picked based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the Journal.
A Pentagon official declined to comment to the Wall Street Journal.
A spokesperson for the Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MS NOW on Tuesday.
Hegseth has put a focus on troops’ outward appearance since he was picked by President Donald J. Trump to lead the Defense Department. Last year, in an address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, he railed against “fat generals” and “beardos,” a slang term used to refer to people with beards.
“It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon and leading commands around the country and the world,” Hegseth said then. “It’s a bad look.”
“If you want a beard, you can join special forces,” Hegseth said. “If not, then shave. We don’t have a military full of Nordic pagans.”
Speaking to West Point graduates in May, Hegseth praised them for being “fit, not fat.”
Last year he implemented requirements for vigorous daily exercise and two annual fitness tests for active-duty troops. And in July, he announced annual screening of testosterone levels for troops age 30 and older. He explained that he wanted a “High-T Department of War.”
Meanwhile, Hegseth is facing continued criticism from lawmakers as the Iran war drags on. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-K.y., introduced impeachment articles against Hegseth on Tuesday, accusing him of violating the War Powers Resolution by proceeding with military action in Iran without congressional approval.
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