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12h ago

Pentagon Instructs Commanders to Nominate Fit, Well‑Groomed Troops for Hegseth’s Sept. 30 Address

Internal emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal show the selections stress physical metrics and appearance, prompting critics to warn the move could politicize the military.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stands on the steps of the Pentagon before an honor cordon to greet Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, not pictured, at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 2, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Overview

  • Mid-September reporting revealed emails telling commanders to hand-select servicemembers for the Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address based on strict physical and grooming rules.
  • The messages specify passing branch fitness tests and meeting the Army’s waist‑to‑height ratio, and they demand “impeccable grooming and uniform standards” for attendees.
  • Officials asked for nominees who are top performers with clear records of integrity, discipline and leadership, and some selected troops may be invited to work out with Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • The Wall Street Journal’s review of internal emails is the basis for the report and the Pentagon declined to comment; similar nomination requests reportedly went to multiple service branches.
  • Critics say the focus on appearance narrows the definition of readiness and risks using service members for optics, and the move has added to congressional scrutiny of Hegseth’s fitness and grooming agenda.