The Texas Military Department has replaced several Texas National Guard members who did not meet physical fitness standards, following social media comments about the troops’ appearance.
Two hundred Guard members were deployed to Chicago as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement initiative. According to a Texas Military Department spokesperson who spoke to Task & Purpose, “a small group” of these troops were removed after failing to meet required standards.
“During the pre-mission validation process, the Texas National Guard identified and replaced seven service members who did not meet mission requirements,” the department said in a statement. “These service members were returned to home station. The Texas National Guard echoes Secretary Hegseth’s message to the force: ‘Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear.’ ”
The National Guard Bureau stated on Oct. 9 that “National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are required to meet service-specific height, weight and physical fitness standards at all times,” according to Task & Purpose. However, the Texas Military Department did not specify which particular standards were not met.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth publicly applauded the decision on X, writing, “Standards are back at The @DeptofWar,” in response to Task & Purpose’s report.
The move follows Hegseth’s Sept. 30 address at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, where he told military leaders the department would launch a 10-point plan to overhaul fitness and readiness expectations.
“It’s tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops,” Hegseth said during his speech. “Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon.”
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He added that all service members must meet the same physical standards, regardless of gender. “If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it,” Hegseth stated. “That is not the intent, but it could be the result.”
During the same speech, Hegseth denounced diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, declaring, “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, no more climate change worship.”
Following Hegseth’s remarks, President Trump ordered the National Guard to deploy troops to Illinois in support of the immigration crackdown. However, on Oct. 9, federal Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment for at least two weeks, according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the temporary pause on Oct. 11, preventing the administration from sending troops to Illinois immediately, Reuters reported. The order is set to expire on Oct. 23, though Perry may choose to extend it.
