Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Shames ‘Fat Troops’ and Generals — and Reveals New Military Weight Requirements 

Pete Hegseth — who now leads the rebranded Department of War (formally still the Department of Defense) — delivered a blunt message to senior military officials in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30. He announced new physical fitness requirements across the armed forces, criticizing what he described as a culture of complacency among senior officers.

“It all starts with physical fitness and appearance,” Hegseth told the group. “Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations — or really any formation — and see fat troops.”

Pointing to himself as an example, he added, “If the Secretary of War can do regular hard PT [physical training], so can every member of our joint force.”

Hegseth, 45, was direct in his criticism: “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. It’s a bad look. It is bad, and it’s not who we are.”

He emphasized that the rules will apply to all ranks. “Whether you’re an airborne ranger or a chairborne ranger, a brand-new private or a four-star general, you need to meet the height and weight standards and pass your PT test,” he said.

At his direction, all service members will now be required to take a PT test twice a year, along with biannual height and weight assessments. In addition, Hegseth said daily physical training will be mandatory across all units.

“I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape,” Hegseth said, adding that he opposed combat units with female soldiers who cannot meet the same standards as men. He also stressed the importance of weapons proficiency.

The Secretary of War confirmed a return to the “highest male standard only” for combat roles.

“This is not about preventing women from serving,” he clarified. “We very much value the impact of female troops … but when it comes to any job that requires physical power in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender neutral. If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is. If that means no women qualify for combat jobs, so be it.”

Hegseth added that the new policy is also designed to eliminate “weak men,” insisting that “you’re not playing games” in combat roles.

He also declared an end to what he derisively called “dudes in dresses” and “climate change worship.”

“No more debris,” he said. “We are done with that s—.”