Military leaders have until late May to develop plans to redefine physical fitness standards, and they can only be equal to or higher than existing ones.
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants to redefine the physical fitness standards for military members.
Hegseth sent a letter to the secretaries of the military departments Sunday, directing them to distinguish “combat arms occupations” from “non-combat arms occupations.”
Secretary Hegseth said he wants to make sure no exceptions are being made for female service members who assume physically demanding combat roles.
On X, Hegseth posted: “All combat roles are open to men and women, BUT they must all meet the same, high standard…” and that “all combat roles will only have sex-neutral standards.”
Military leaders, on the other hand, have testified that standards are not lower for women in combat posts.
Right now, female service members must meet different fitness standards for general occupations in the ranks, but fitness standards for combat posts are currently gender-neutral.
Still, Secretary Hegseth wants a plan to redefine the fitness standards for 3 specific combat categories.
According to Hegseth’s memo, troops in “ground combat occupations” must show the ability to carry heavy loads, endure prolonged physical exertion, and perform in hostile combat situations.
“Special operations forces occupations” should have the same standards, plus advanced swimming, climbing, and parachuting capabilities, all while being in extreme environments.
The last category, Hegseth called “specialized occupations.” He specifically mentioned Navy divers and explosive ordinance disposal technicians.
He wants those service members to show the ability to handle aquatic rescues, repairs and demolitions, while working long hours in physically and mentally taxing conditions.
According to the memo, military leaders have until late May to develop plans to redefine those physical fitness standards.
After the plans are submitted, the Secretary wants them implemented within six months. In his letter, Hegseth also told military leaders they cannot lower any existing fitness standards, and any new standards must be equal to or higher than existing ones.
