Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives for a news conference at the Pentagon June 22, 2025, in Arlington, Va. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Supporters of stricter readiness standards argue the change avoids drawn-out cases and clarifies discipline. The AP notes that, in the past, boards sometimes retained members despite serious infractions, discretion critics said led to inconsistency.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made "restoring the warrior ethos" and tougher physical standards central to his tenure. In his Jan. 25 message to the force, he vowed to "restore the warrior ethos … rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence," then directed a rapid, department-wide review of fitness, body composition and grooming standards.
'RED TAPE': TRUMP ADMIN UNLEASHES DOGE-ALIGNED PROCESS TO FIRE FEDERAL WORKERS FOR MISCONDUCT
An aerial view of the Pentagon, where new directives for combat readiness are underway under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Reuters)
The AP framed the shift within broader Trump-era directives affecting transgender service members and cited Pentagon figures putting the affected population in the low thousands. While some legal advisers have raised questions about appeals without recordings, supporters counter that swift, decisive action is essential for cohesion and defense.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Air Force could not be reached.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com or to @JasmineSBaehr via X.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/air-force-tightens-rules-transgender-airmen-supporters-say-prioritizes-readiness-report