RICHMOND, Virginia — Women’s rights advocates and a Virginia state senator are criticizing newly announced U.S. military fitness standards that apply the “highest male standard” to all service members beginning in 2026. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth detailed the changes in a September address, saying the military must strengthen readiness to confront escalating global threats. The Trump administration refers to the department as the U.S. Department of War, though Congress has not formally approved a name change.
Hegseth said the new standards are not designed to exclude women, but acknowledged that if no women qualify for certain combat roles, “so be it.” The Army and Air Force have already adopted revised fitness tests that take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
The policy drew swift criticism from Kobby Hoffman, president of Virginia’s chapter of the National Organization for Women, who called the move part of a broader rollback of gender equality. She warned that restricting frontline opportunities could limit women’s advancement through the ranks.
State Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Virginia Military Institute graduate, described Hegseth’s remarks as intentionally misogynistic and part of a wider culture war. She said the shift undermines the contributions of women who have already met or exceeded existing standards.
Foy urged women to continue pushing for equality, citing the importance of representation and ongoing efforts such as recognizing Virginia’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
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Sources
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War.gov – Unrated
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