Today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the Secretaries of all Military Departments to develop comprehensive plans to “clearly define combat arms occupations and non-combat arms occupations” to “refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality.”

“All entry-level and sustained physical fitness requirements within combat arms positions must be sex-neutral, based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary. In establishing those standards, the Secretaries of the Military Departments may not establish standards that would result in any existing Service member being held to a lower standard,” wrote in his memo to Secretaries of all Military Departments.

Hegseth directed the Secretaries of the Military Departments to fully implement this directive within the next six months and to present their proposals for review no later than 60 days from today.

The plans must address the following:

• Ground Combat Occupations. Standards for ground combat occupations should emphasize the ability to carry heavy loads, endure prolonged physical exertion, and perform effectively in austere, hostile environments. Service members in these roles must exhibit speed, strength, agility, and endurance to navigate the demands of combat situations.
• Special Operations Forces (SOF) Occupations. The standards for SOF occupations must be equally rigorous, incorporating advanced swimming, climbing, parachuting, and the ability to operate in extreme environments. Sustained peak physical performance is essential to execute missions of the highest stakes across diverse and challenging terrains.
• Specialized Occupations. For specialized occupations like Navy Divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, the focus should be on proficiency in those unique and demanding tasks such as aquatic rescue, repair, and demolition. Sustained endurance is necessary to tackle long hours in physically and mentally taxing conditions.