Secretary Pete Hegseth Calls Out “Fat Generals” — Announces Sweeping Changes at War Department
"The only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: War fighting. Preparing for war and preparing to win.” - Hegseth
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Secretary Pete Hegseth Makes Sweeping Changes at the Department of War
Some context
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has made substantial changes to the U.S. Military policy and culture in the past nine months, drawing praise and criticism.
On Tuesday, U.S. Military leaders from around the world convened in Quantico military base in Virginia. Hegseth’s speech went viral online, especially for his comments regarding “fat generals” and adhering to higher standards of physical fitness. “We became the woke department,” Hegseth said. “But not anymore.”
Links: Full speech to generals from Secretary Hegseth
Here are some of the changes he announced.
‘War Department’ Name change
President Trump, under the guidance of Secretary Hegseth, rebranded the previously known Department of Defense as the War Department in an executive order earlier this month.
Quote from speech: “The era of the Department of Defense is over…from this moment forward, the only mission of the newly restored Department of War is this: War fighting. Preparing for war and preparing to win.”
No more “fat” generals
Hegseth introduced a new combat field test requiring combat troops to perform it anytime, anywhere with full gear, and mandates that all combat personnel meet a gender-neutral fitness standard scoring above 70%.
Quote from speech: “Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops. Likewise, 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.” (video)
No more beards
Hegseth banned beards and unique hair grooming across the board.
Quote: “No more beardos. The era of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done. Simply put, if you do not meet the male level physical standards for combat positions, cannot pass a PT test or don’t want to shave and look professional, it’s time for a new position or a new profession.”
“Toxic leaders” policy to be reviewed
Hegseth announced a review of the toxic leaders policy, which he argues has made it too difficult for leaders to enforce policies and standards.
Quote: “Of course, you can’t do, like, nasty bullying and hazing. We’re talking about words like bullying and hazing and toxic. They’ve been weaponized and bastardized inside our formations, undercutting commanders and NCOs. No more. Setting, achieving and maintaining high standards is what you all do. And if that makes me toxic, then so be it.”
No more DEI
Hegseth announced the closure of DEI initiatives across the military, including specific offices and identity months that have been recognized in recent years.
Quote: “No more identity months, DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] offices, dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship. No more division, distraction or gender delusions,” he said. “As I’ve said before, and I’ll say again, we are done with that s---.”
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