The Pentagon in Arlington, Va., where War Department officials, pushed back on claims of a civil-military rift and said the National Defense Strategy was fully coordinated. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
A senior War Department official said the strategy was the product of "extensive and intensive" collaboration across the department.
The drafting team included a policy lead, a Joint Staff deputy and representatives from the military services who consulted widely with civilian and uniformed offices.
Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby and the acting deputy under-secretary for policy, Austin Dahmer, met with leaders from every group. The official called that level of policy-shop engagement "unprecedented."
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War Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting of senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Tuesday, in Quantico, Va. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
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In a 45-minute speech, he argued the force needs tougher standards and a tighter focus on warfighting. He has recalled one-star and above officers from around the world to brief in person and has removed several senior general officers as part of a broader overhaul.
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Hegseth says new directives will restore rigorous physical, grooming and leadership standards and require combat roles to meet one set of physical benchmarks.
The Washington Post did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
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