The United States Army must not have a "fat general."
On September 30, 2025, in Quantico, Virginia, United States Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth opened a meeting of top commanders from around the world with fiery wording, attacking "awakening" culture and diversity-promoting policies as the root causes of decline in the military, with the announcement of a new approach emphasizing strength and strict discipline.
"Foolish and reckless political leaders have led us astray into" the Ministry of Awakening, "but not anymore," says Hexeth, warning commanders who disagree with his approach: "If my words today make you depressed, do something honorable - resign."
One of the key measures that Hexeth announced was to raise the standards of military fitness, using the highest standards of male fitness as an intermediate criterion for everyone, requiring every officer to pass two tests a year and exercise every day of work. "If the war minister can exercise hard, everyone can," he said.
Hexeth also emphasized that adjusting the criteria to allow women or individuals from certain ethnic groups to qualify is unacceptable. "If women pass, that's great, if they don't pass, they have to accept, as do weak men. This is not a game, but a war, and it's a matter of death."
On the external side of appearance, Hexeth frankly criticized "seeing a fat general walk in the Pentagon is totally unacceptable," and adjusted the standard of appearance, forbidding beards, and requiring hairstyles to be neat. "We will cut, shave, and maintain looks, because neglect of small matters often leads to big problems in the end."
The new policy also includes the cancellation of diversity-promoting activities such as Identity Month and the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Non-Discrimination) program, with Hexeth explicitly saying, "No Identity Month, No Men Wearing Dresses, No More Gender Delusions, We're done with that."
As for the previously occurring disengagement of top generals and admirals, Hexeth stated that "they are part of a broken culture" with a notice adjusting the complaints and investigation management system within the Pentagon, pointing out that "the current system requires commanders to walk on eggshells."
