Military Fitness Standards: Combat Requirements Rise

In March 2025, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initiated a comprehensive review of the military’s standards concerning physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, including policies on beards. This directive aims to assess and potentially realign the criteria that have evolved since the Department of Defense opened all combat roles to women in 2015. (cbsnews.com)

Hegseth’s memorandum emphasized the necessity of maintaining high standards to ensure the military remains "the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force." He stated, "We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force." (cbsnews.com)

The review is particularly significant given Hegseth’s previous public opposition to women serving in combat roles. During his confirmation hearing, he expressed concerns that integrating women into combat positions might have led to the dilution of military standards. He stated, "We should not have women in combat roles. It hasn’t made us more effective. Hasn’t made us more lethal." (cbsnews.com)

The current military fitness evaluations vary across the different branches, with scoring adjusted for age and gender. For instance, the Army’s Combat Fitness Test includes events such as a deadlift, run, planks, push-ups, standing power throw, and a combination sprint/drag/carry. These tests are designed to mimic real-world military circumstances and have been subject to revisions to better prepare troops for combat scenarios. (stripes.com)

The review also encompasses grooming standards, including policies on beards. While some branches, like the Army, offer shaving waivers for medical conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae, the Marine Corps maintains a strict no-beard policy, emphasizing its unique ethos. (stripes.com)

This initiative reflects a broader trend within the military to reassess and potentially standardize policies across the services. The objective is to ensure that all service members, regardless of gender, meet the same rigorous standards essential for combat readiness. However, there are concerns that abrupt changes to these policies could impact recruitment and retention, as service members have adapted to existing standards over time. (cbsnews.com)

In recent years, the military has also adjusted other standards, such as those related to tattoos and marijuana use, in response to evolving societal norms and recruitment challenges. These changes aim to attract a broader pool of potential recruits while maintaining the core values and readiness of the armed forces. (cbsnews.com)

As the review progresses, it is anticipated that the Department of Defense will seek input from various stakeholders, including military leadership, service members, and policymakers, to ensure that any modifications to standards are thoughtfully considered and effectively implemented. The goal is to uphold the military’s commitment to excellence and operational effectiveness while adapting to the changing dynamics of modern warfare and societal expectations.

Pentagon Reviews Military Standards Amid Policy Shifts:

• Military review of fitness standards will find array of tests, but higher requirements for combat
• Trump nominee Pete Hegseth weathers Democrats’ grilling to emerge largely unscathed
• Hegseth’s views on women in combat, infidelity and more – in his own words

What specific aspects of grooming are covered in military regulations?