The military has been directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to examine how its fitness requirements have evolved since 2015, when the service declared it would allow women to work in all positions, including combat.
According to a memo from Hegseth dated Wednesday, the assessment would encompass requirements for physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, including beards, which are currently prohibited in the military, with the exception of some religious exemptions.
The email states that it will look into “why those standards changed and the impact of those changes,”
Hegseth issued a statement saying, “As the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world, we must continue to be vigilant in upholding the standards that allow the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland.” The Defense Department remained silent.
Changes to those criteria since January 1, 2015, will be reviewed. The final obstacles preventing female service members from assuming specific jobs were lifted when the military declared in December of that year that it was allowing women to serve in combat roles. The following year, the first women took on those responsibilities.
Hegseth has pledged to bring the military back to combat preparedness and has accused previous leaders of sacrificing physical fitness standards in the name of diversity and inclusion.
Hegseth was under intense scrutiny in the lead-up to his narrow Senate approval in January because of his prior remarks that women should not serve in combat roles, some of which were made just prior to President Donald Trump’s nomination. Months later, he suddenly changed his mind as he faced a difficult confirmation struggle.
Women veterans and lawmakers concerned that the shift was a trick for Senate votes, and that, once sworn in, Hegseth would try to shut women out of combat duties.