War Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting of senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Va., Sept. 30, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
The secretary has already fired a dozen senior-ranking general officers.
Throughout the 45-minute address, Hegseth repeatedly attacked what he called decades of "decay" in the ranks, driven by diversity programs, lowered standards, and politicized leadership.
"We became the woke department. But not anymore," Hegseth said. "No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses, no more climate change worship. No more division, distraction or gender delusions. No more debris. We are done with that."
HEGSETH ORDERS ‘HISTORIC’ REDUCTION IN GENERAL OFFICERS IN THE MILITARY
The secretary said his directives will reestablish rigorous physical, grooming, and leadership standards — including requiring all combat positions to meet "male level" physical benchmarks. He said this would apply equally to men and women, even if it meant fewer female troops in certain roles.
"If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is," Hegseth said. "Weak men won’t qualify either. We’re not playing games."
Hegseth announced ten new directives aimed at restoring what he called a "warrior ethos" across all branches, beginning with a return of all combat standards to their pre-2015 levels, reversing changes made to expand female participation. Fitness tests will be gender-neutral and administered twice a year for every rank, from privates to four-star generals, while grooming rules — including bans on beards and long hair — will be strictly enforced.
HEGSETH VOWS TO RESTORE WARRIOR MENTALITY AND RAISE STANDARDS IN SWEEPING MILITARY TRANSFORMATION
War Secretary Pete Hegseth addresses senior military leaders during a meeting at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Va., Sept. 30, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters)
"Real toxic leadership is promoting people based on immutable characteristics or quotas instead of merit," he said. "If that makes me toxic, then so be it."
He announced changes to inspector generals, aiming to reduce what he called "frivolous complaints" and to put "power back in the hands of commanders and NCOs."
Framing his remarks with references to George Washington and the Roman Empire, Hegseth said the War Department’s mission is to deter adversaries through "peace through strength," warning that the U.S. faces mounting threats from China and other rivals.
"To our enemies, FAFO," Hegseth said, using an acronym for "f*** around and find out." "If necessary, our troops can translate that for you perfectly."
Hegseth concluded by casting his directives as a liberation for troops stifled by political correctness.
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"Today is another Liberation Day, the liberation of America’s warriors in name, indeed, and in authorities," he said. "You kill people and break things for a living. You are not politically correct and don’t necessarily belong always in polite society. You are warriors."
He closed the address with a prayer.
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