Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. military to scrap sex-specific standards for combat roles, ending years of division over fairness and readiness in frontline units. The announcement came during his return from a strategic mission to Asia.
The change was revealed in a video posted Sunday as Hegseth’s flight approached Washington. He held up the signed memorandum onboard and made clear that the Pentagon is restoring one equal standard across all branches for combat arms assignments.
C’mon. Nearly 70% of US troops are overweight or obese, research report says | Stars and Stripes https://t.co/BF265Qu0pg
— Lara Logan (@laralogan) March 16, 2025
“For far too long, we’ve allowed standards to slip,” Hegseth said. His message focused on the need to unify expectations for all troops under one consistent bar, regardless of sex.
For far too long, we have allowed standards to slip. We’ve had different standards for men/women serving in combat arms MOS’s and jobs….
That’s not acceptable, and it changes right now! pic.twitter.com/Zn9OyBew6G
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 31, 2025
According to the memorandum, military services are now responsible for identifying where standards differ and adjusting policies to reflect equal qualification requirements. The move directly impacts military occupational specialties (MOS) tied to combat arms.
I'm tired of seeing dishonest individuals crying "sexism" for these three fat lazy Teletubbies who couldn't pass a physical fitness test if their life depended on it. Not meeting standards in the military will cost lives. There is zero excuse for obesity in the military. https://t.co/GvBvHVgvhd pic.twitter.com/dXx46MJqYl
— J.R. Salzman (@jrsalzman) March 21, 2025
The announcement follows a multi-day visit to Japan where Hegseth met with U.S. troops and Indo-Pacific allies to strengthen regional defense cooperation. The shift in standards was framed as part of a broader effort to reinforce American capability and credibility.
The new guidance is already in effect and requires the branches to begin implementing revisions. Services will be held accountable for enforcing compliance with the directive as it applies to selection, training and qualification in combat arms.
This marks a shift from previous Pentagon approaches that allowed different physical standards for men and women in certain military roles.
