Pentagon Seeks Fit and Groomed Troops for Hegseth’s Address

The Pentagon is seeking service members who meet strict fitness, body-composition, and appearance standards to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address.

Commanders have been asked to nominate troops who pass required fitness tests and waist-to-height standards while maintaining “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception),” according to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Selected service members could also work out with Hegseth.

Physical Standards Shape the Guest List

An email sent Tuesday to Army commanders outlined physical and professional criteria for potential attendees.

Nominees must pass the Army fitness test and meet the service’s waist-to-height requirement. Officials said similar instructions were sent to other military commands.

The selection process also emphasizes appearance, requiring what the message described as “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception).”

The criteria reinforce Hegseth’s emphasis on physical standards since taking over the Pentagon last year.

He has argued that stronger physical requirements are necessary to improve the military’s ability to fight wars effectively.

Leadership and Conduct Also Required

Fitness alone will not determine who attends.

The Pentagon is also seeking service members with “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the emails.

Candidates must be consistently rated among the strongest performers in their units and have records reflecting integrity, discipline and selfless service.

The guidance further calls for personnel who show presence, communication skills and sound judgment under pressure, while serving as examples for peers and subordinates.

Lower-Ranking Troops to Attend

The September 30 gathering is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted personnel, officials said.

That marks a shift from Hegseth’s previous gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where senior generals and admirals were ordered to attend.

During that speech, Hegseth declared there would be “no more beardos” or “fat generals,” underscoring his focus on military appearance and physical readiness.

Hegseth’s emphasis on physical standards has also drawn criticism.

Some critics have argued the approach is too narrow and raised concerns about using military personnel to support the administration’s political priorities.