Hegseth orders review of US military standards, including grooming, after they were loosened under Biden
By: Victor Nava
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday ordered a Pentagon-wide review of the physical fitness, body composition and grooming standards currently in place in the armed forces.
Hegseth's directive comes after the Biden administration loosened restrictions on various grooming and hairstyle rules for military service members, as well as body fat percentage requirements for new recruits.
"High standards are what made the United States military the greatest fighting force on the planet," Hegseth wrote in a memo to senior Pentagon leaders, commanders of the combatant commands and Department of Defense field activity directors.
"The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose," the defense secretary added. "We are made stronger and more disciplined with high, uncompromising, and clear standards."
The review will be conducted by the Pentagon's under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness and will examine the "existing standards set by the Military Departments pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards," as well as how those standards have changed over the last decade.
"The review will also provide insight on why those standards changed and the impact of those changes," Hegseth said. "The USD(P&R) has the authority to task the Secretaries of the Military Departments and other DoD Component heads as necessary to provide any required information in support of this review and will provide detailed guidance to the Military Departments."
"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," the Pentagon chief continued. "Our adversaries are not growing weaker, and our tasks are not growing less challenging."
"This review will illuminate how the Department has maintained the level of standards required over the recent past and the trajectory of any change in those standards."
Each branch of the military sets its own standards for physical fitness and body composition and has mandatory instructions on the type of haircuts and facial hair service members are permitted to maintain.
For example, beards are generally banned from armed services unless members receive a medical exemption or religious accommodation.
Under the Biden administration, the Army relaxed various grooming standards - including allowing women to wear earrings and have hair highlights and dyes, and allowing men to wear nail polish - in an effort to be "more diverse" and "inclusive."
The Air Force, also during former President Joe Biden's tenure, permitted new male recruits to have up to 26% body fat, up from the previous requirement of 20%, while females were allowed 36% body fat, up from the previous max of 28%.
During a town hall event for Pentagon employees last month, Hegseth noted that under the Trump administration the DOD would renew its focus on "basic stuff," like grooming and fitness standards.
"I'm not saying if you violate grooming standards, you're a criminal," Hegseth said. "The analogy is incomplete. But if you violate the small stuff and you allow it to happen, it creates a culture where the big stuff, you're not held accountable for."
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A very true statement. The standards exist for a specific reason. Overlooking even the most minute standard can and will lead to larger standards being overlooked that can come at the cost of somebody's life.
Pete served as a second lieutenant at Guantanamo Bay with the New Jersey Army National Guard from 2003 to 2005, according to his Fox News bio, via Ballotpedia . In 2006, he was deployed to Iraq, with the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, serving as an infantry platoon leader. As his tour neared its end, he transitioned to a civil-military operations officer role in Samarra.
By 2012, Pete returned to active duty as a captain and was deployed to Afghanistan with the Minnesota Army National Guard. There, he served as a senior counterinsurgency instructor at the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul, according to his Ballotpedia bio.
From an articleBy Jennifer Farrington Published Nov. 13 2024, 1:06 p.m. ET
Hardly seem the qualifications of man who would decide what "standards" are best for the US military
jmo
And that's exactly what it is....opinion.
Jeremy
Indeed and all the praise you and others heap upon totally unqualified members of this government are that as well "simply opinions" with little factual basis
Your only claim that he's unqualified is that he was an O-1. Not much of an argument in that aspect. It's actually pretty pathetic not to mention narrow minded when it comes to military operations.
Jeremy
The pathetic thing is that he was a Captain at his highest rank and that is an O-3
I know how to write computer code, but that does make me qualified to run IBM
Being a Captain is pathetic???
Why?
Doesn't disqualify him.
He was nominated and confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of Defense. That's all the qualification he needs, if you believe in civilian control of the military and the Constitution.
Reminds me of a story I saw yesterday concering an aspect of lawfare. The judge's premise for a question was basically yours, that Hegseth's history as a lower ranking officer really means his opinion shouldn't count and that she should give more weight to the opinion of some retired general or another. That should set off alarm bells in everyone's head.
Having served - I know that wet behind the ears Lieutenants and Captains are lacking in the breadth of experience and knowledge to lead and oversee the development and use of a platoon or company much less the entire military.
Was your military experience similar?
I get it. You oppose not only civilian control of the military but apparently anyone who hasn't achieved the highest of ranks is unqualified as well. Just give all the power to the generals like a good junta does.
You do realize Lieutenants and Captains lead platoons and companies in our military every day right?
Actually platoons are mostly "led" by the non-commissioned officers who actually train the lieutenants when they are assigned.
I was a non-commissioned officer for nearly 20 years and had lots of lieutenants and captains that depended on me as much as I depended on them
What was your experience in the military like>
You forgot to mention what your military experience was like
I totally support the civilian leadership of the military - though it seems that over the years a lot of wise presidents (republicans included) have decided that senior officers with broad experience and knowledge were far more qualified for the SecDef position than a Captain with limited leadership experience of any kind.
I've said many times I've never served. Why you obsess over that is something you need to figure out.
I'm arguing for civilian control of the military and the Constitution. I don't need to have served to understand that believing high ranking officers should control the defense department policy is anathema to the principles this country was founded on.
Sounds like you've had some really shitty leadership in the military. Now the question is, did you do anything to help those officers or did you just sit back and let it happen?
Actually NCO’s answer an officer in almost all situations. A good Officer listens to and uses a good NCO’s advice but the supposition that NCO’s “train” officers is a stretch at best. For example, a Marine Corps infantry officer goes through about a year of training before they ever lead a platoon. Sure, NCO’s are involved in that process but once they get out in the fleet, that platoon is ultimately that 2nd/1st Lt’s responsibility.
Period.
Actually NCO's don't "lead" the platoon. You may want to refresh yourself on the roles and responsibilities of an NCO.
You do realize Lieutenants and Captains lead platoons and companies in our military every day right?
I do and the good and especially the excellent Lieutenants and Captains depend on the advice and knowledge of their more experienced senior noncoms before making decisions
Actually NCO's don't "lead" the platoon. You may want to refresh yourself on the roles and responsibilities of an NCO.
The noncoms provide the knowledge and support the LT needs to lead the platoon correctly.
It doesn't sound like you have ever been a noncom or an officer, if you don't know that basic fact.
Actually NCO’s answer an officer in almost all situations.
Absolutely true, never denied that
that platoon is ultimately that 2nd/1st Lt’s responsibility. Period.
Absolutely correct and if they have any brains to mostly do exactly what the senior noncoms tell them to.
Sounds like you've had some really shitty leadership in the military.
[ ✘ ] I served with some of the best young officers and senior officers the military had to offer and the unit excelled in difficult situations because we worked together and they took the advice of senior nomcoms in the decision process
Not talking 'bout the "development and use of a platoon or company".
Talking 'bout "Each branch of the military sets its own standards for physical fitness and body composition and has mandatory instructions on the type of haircuts and facial hair service members are permitted to maintain."
In today's military, the physical standards sux and body composition sux. Met a Master Senior Chief last week - in his 25th year - could very easily double for the Pillsbury Doughboy. Saw some "folks" who had just graduated from "Basic" who looked like shyte - shiney Vin Diesel hair cut but with waist lines that exceed my chest size (44) and they were the "Honor Grads".
Live close to five military installations and I'm sure as hell not impressed with the "new" physical fitness, body composition, haircuts and facial hair "qualifications".
According to the thread, those four qualities are what Hegseth is discussing about updating/getting back to basics. Don't see/read anything 'bout wanting to change how the military functions/operates/goes to war.
Sean - gotta jump in here, but - the Constitution gives military control of the military to Congress and their administration - Article 1, Section 8 -
"To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
Good to see you looked up the roles and responsibilities of an NCO.
And that is where you, as usual, would be wrong.
You can look up my DD214.
Yeah - 'member those days. Served in USMC, honorably discharged as an E-5. While on both tours in 'Nam, was constantly reminded by Top Brass that our job (NCO's) was to take the newbie brown butter bars under our wings and teach them how to live and how to keep the rest of our team safe and alive - as much as possible.
Interestingly, served with two newbie brown butter bars who rose up through the ranks to become USMC CMC - guess we taught them the "right way", eh?
Joined the CG, went through OCS and was constantly told/reminded to listen/learn for our Senior/Master NCO's to ensure smooth operations/functions. One of our primary functions??? Get rid of the fat/lazy/whinneys who hold up the mission because of their lack of development.
Good point
Removed for context - sandy
I get a pension check once a month for 20+ years service to my country. Do you?
Interestingly, served with two newbie brown butter bars who rose up through the ranks to become USMC CMC - guess we taught them the "right way", eh?
Joined the CG, went through OCS and was constantly told/reminded to listen/learn for our Senior/Master NCO's to ensure smooth operations/functions. One of our primary functions??? Get rid of the fat/lazy/whinneys who hold up the mission because of their lack of development.
1st Warrior
Thanks you for your service to our country
Your comments above are true and I am sure the officers you served with valued your judgement and advice
Pete will do what’s best to optimize unit readiness. Not what’s best to assuage individual sensibilities. Seems qualified enough to me.
The military isn’t summer camp. Too many folks these days seem to think it is.
I am sure he does
Your veiled sarcasm needs the "/S" thingy.
Common sense dictates that a person who "has been there and done that" knows exactly what the requirements are to do a job far better than a fat old administrator seating in an office million miles separated from the actual work to be performed.
Did you review the actual troop leadership experience he has?
Have you?
Awarded Bronze Star for actions/duties in Iraq - vehicle hit by a rocket that, fortunately, did not explode - retired as a Major.
July 2005, he volunteered in the Iraq War as an infantry officer, where he received a Bronze Star Medal (and ya know those things ain't cheap, eh?) . Hegseth served in the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment [ 10 ] in the 101st Airborne Division , led by colonel Michael D. Steele . [ 15 ] He began his tour in Baghdad before moving to Samarra , [ 6 ] where he served as a civil affairs officer, [ 16 ] working with the city council and forming an alliance with councilmember Asaad Ali Yaseen . [ 6 ] Hegseth has described a near-death experience in Iraq in which a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle, but failed to detonate.
And, he's not qualified why???
There have been Defense Secretaries that have only worked in the military complex arena, no military experience ever.
He has more than enough experience if we use that as a standard.
I just realized is the person you and I replied to thought Biden was qualified...
Robert, I'm not sure we need George C Marshall to establish grooming standards for the military.
Here let me give Pete a hand:
Even if volunteers arrive above the weight standard, trim them down to size in boot camp. No facial hairs, no long hair, no tattoos, bring back form fitting uniforms and get rid of the fatigue pajamas.
Done.
If it were as simple as you state it, I would certainly agree with you
However, the mess he is and will create is seeming to be more
Appreciate the feedback
It is that simple. Re-establish the standards, provide a timeline for those not meeting it to comply, then begin the administrative process to remove them from service for not meeting the re-established standards.
The only ones that would see it as a mess are those who can't meet the standards.
Someone needs to wring the alcohol out of Hegseth until he starts thinking straight. Nah, not gonna happen.
"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," the Pentagon chief continued. "Our adversaries are not growing weaker, and our tasks are not growing less challenging."
Yea, who needs standards other than diversity? S/
lol …. Maybe he’ll get lucky and figure out where the Biden drug hidey hole is and get some blow …. The triggered can relax. Hegseth will do just fine.
So in your feeble mindset, services members shouldn't ever drink?
Nope, we are all teetotalers right?
I and every command I was in missed that memo. I remember helping a drunken Battalion Chaplain to his bunk in Grafenwhor Germany after an end of rotation party the Brigade Command set up.
As I sip on my Cigar Malt with a fine cigar …..
Will be doing the same at a event with the 82nd Airborne Division this evening.
It's said the "AA" that is the 82nd Airborne insignia stands for "Alcohol Anonymous". After serving almost 20 years with them, I can see why.
Enjoy!
"Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday ordered a Pentagon-wide review of the physical fitness, body composition and grooming standards currently in place in the armed forces." "The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose," the defense secretary added. "We are made stronger and more disciplined with high, uncompromising, and clear standards."
How dare he want a strong military. That goes against everything the last administration stood for. Obviously Trump made a terrible choice. S/
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