Pete Hegseth demands military prepare for war amid controversial remarks
- Hegseth instructed senior military leaders to prioritize warfighting as the mission of the Department of War.
- He criticized overweight military leaders and proposed strict fitness requirements, mandating that all combat troops meet male standard fitness tests.
- His remarks have faced backlash, especially regarding claims about diversity initiatives and the existing fitness standards for women in combat.
In a controversial address, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gathered senior military leadership for a meeting that focused on a shift in military culture towards a more aggressive posture. Hegseth, known for his provocative statements, articulated that the newly restored Department of War’s primary mission is now warfighting, indicating a dramatic pivot in policy under the Trump administration. He emphasized the importance of physical readiness, criticizing overweight military leaders and advocating for strict adherence to new fitness standards, including requiring every combat-ready service member to meet the male physical fitness standards specifically. During the meeting, which drew criticism for being a display of Hegseth's controversial views, he openly criticized diversity and inclusion initiatives, advocating for a military devoid of what he labeled as 'woke' influences. Hegseth’s tone was confrontational, suggesting that military leaders who do not align with his agenda should resign. He further tied the military’s performance to physical fitness, saying that he does not want troops who do not meet these standards serving alongside his son, stressing that the job of military service is life and death. Hegseth's remarks have sparked backlash, particularly among female military veterans who argue that the argument for a 'male standard' is based on misinformation about existing equal fitness standards. Some female veterans highlighted that there is already a single standard that applies to all service members regardless of gender, debunking Hegseth’s claims about women not being able to perform. In addition, the address was characterized by harsh rhetoric towards military leaders regarding their promotions, which he attributed to factors like race and gender rather than merit. This has raised concerns about the politicization of the military under Hegseth’s leadership. As he outlined his vision of the U.S. military as a fierce fighting force, he expressed disdain for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, further indicating his desire to transform the military into what he envisions as a 'Department of War', emphasizing a focus on aggressive warfighting capabilities over community relations and inclusivity.