Washington, D.C. — The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate physically fit, well-groomed and highly rated service members to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address, according to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
An Army email said nominees must pass the service’s fitness test, meet waist-to-height requirements and maintain “impeccable grooming and uniform standards.” Similar instructions were reportedly sent to other military branches.
The Pentagon is also seeking troops considered top performers with records of discipline, integrity and leadership. Selected attendees may have the opportunity to work out with Hegseth before or after the address.
The criteria align with priorities Hegseth outlined during a September 2025 speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he announced tougher fitness and grooming standards across the armed forces. He said all service members should meet height and weight requirements and take physical fitness tests twice annually.
That address also drew attention for Hegseth’s criticism of overweight troops and generals and his declaration that there would be “no more beardos.” Since then, Pentagon officials have continued pressing military branches to enforce grooming and fitness rules more consistently.
Unlike last year’s gathering, which largely centered on generals and admirals, this year’s event is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted personnel.
A Pentagon official declined to comment to the Journal on the selection criteria.
Sources
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