Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly announced a significant overhaul of military physical fitness standards following a troubling report revealing that over two-thirds of reserve troops do not meet weight requirements.
In a social media post, Hegseth emphasized that the military will prioritize being “FIT, not FAT.”
The Military Times reported that a study by the American Security Project (ASP) estimated that around 68% of National Guard and reserve troops are classified as overweight or obese.
The issue is particularly severe among National Guard members, with approximately 21% considered obese.
Hegseth criticized the current state of fitness standards, stating, “This is what happens when standards are IGNORED,” and pledged to enforce real fitness and weight standards moving forward.
The ASP report highlighted the health risks faced by these service members, including increased chances of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
These health issues pose significant risks to military readiness, especially since reserve troops train and serve part-time, making enforcement of fitness standards more complex.
Hegseth reiterated his commitment to restoring the U.S. military’s reputation as the most formidable fighting force in the world by implementing and enforcing rigorous fitness standards.
He aims to ensure that service members are not only physically capable but also healthy, reducing the likelihood of life-threatening health events.
As Hegseth prepares to introduce these changes, he stresses the urgency of addressing the fitness crisis within the military to maintain operational effectiveness and readiness for any challenges ahead.
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