Hegseth touts higher military physical standards and what that means for women

FIRST ON FOX — Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth appeared on “The Katie Miller Podcast‘ in a brand new interview through which the struggle chief spoke concerning the elevated bodily requirements he has set for the army, and it’s a ‘disgrace’ if members can not meet them, even when they’re girls.

In late September, Hegseth introduced that every one fight personnel must meet the very best male customary to take care of their positions, including that the division should “restore a ruthless, sober and customary sense utility of requirements.”

When requested by Katie Miller, spouse of Trump White Home aide Stephen Miller, whether or not “readiness contains the truth that solely males ought to serve in fight roles,” the Secretary of Conflict elaborated on his views on the army’s fight readiness.

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Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters throughout a Pentagon information convention in Arlington, Virginia, on June 26, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Pictures)

“My place has at all times been that requirements ought to be universally excessive – and I imply excessive requirements for males. And if that excludes girls, then so be it,” he replied. “That is not the intention, but it surely may very well be the impact. And that is okay.”

Hegseth clarified that the division just isn’t “out to push anybody out,” however moderately adheres to the “division of struggle golden rule” he put forth throughout a speech to senior army figures at Quantico in September. The Secretary of Conflict later mandated that every one American forces watch the speech.

“I used to be speaking concerning the Conflict Division’s golden rule. And I’ve requested commanders to recollect this in each determination they make. Do the identical together with your formation as together with your sons,” he recalled. “So in case your son or daughter have been in that platoon, they usually have been deployed, what would you need? Would you need variety for variety’s sake? Would you need gender equality for gender equality – no!”

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“You need the very best and most succesful, it doesn’t matter what – to the very best doable customary,” Hegseth added.

Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth workout routines with troops a month after saying new bodily necessities for U.S. army personnel. (@DOWResponse/X)

Echoing her husband’s ideas, Jennifer Hegseth famous that feminine troops have approached the Secretary of Conflict to thank him for elevating the army’s bodily requirements.

“What individuals do not get to see is all of the serving girls who come as much as him when he visits troops throughout the nation and say, ‘Thanks, thanks for doing that.’ As a result of when you meet that customary, it ought to imply one thing, and it dilutes the entire thing,” she informed Miller. “And they also’re grateful.”

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Miller then requested the Secretary of Conflict what these elevated bodily requirements imply for male troops who’re “woefully off form” and nonetheless serving.

“Then they must fail, they usually must drop out,” he replied, earlier than noting that the division is “giving everybody time” to get again into form.

“All of those requirements will apply in every shift on a three- to six-month horizon, so they are going to have the chance to do the sort of catch-up they should meet the usual,” Hegseth continued. ‘And after that the usual is the usual. And if you cannot meet that, that is a disgrace.’

Katie Miller throughout a dinner with Republican senators within the State Eating Room of the White Home in Washington, DC, on Friday, July 18, 2025. (Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg by way of Getty Pictures)

The total interview on “The Katie Miller Podcast” will probably be launched in full on Tuesday night at 6pm ET on YouTubeApple Podcasts, Spotify, Rumble and X.

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