Military Review Of Fitness Standards Will Find Array Of Tests, But Higher Requirements For Combat

The defense secretary's decision to review military standards on combat and physical fitness and appearance opens a Pandora's box of widely differing rules among the services. And it will raise a crucial question: Should there be a cookie-cutter approach, or should service differences, evolving social norms and recruiting realities play a role in policy decisions?

Pete Hegseth has been very public about his opposition to women in combat jobs and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women, and he warned there would be reviews to address the issues. He is a staunch proponent of making all standards the same, regardless of gender, and military officials are braced for changes as reviews continue.

In a memo March 12, Hegseth said the undersecretary for personnel must gather information on military standards "pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards."

"We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world's most lethal and effective fighting force," he wrote.

The effort is seen as a broadside against women serving on the frontlines - which they have been doing successfully for years. Hegseth's memo calls for a review of how standards have changed and the impact of those shifts since Jan. 1, 2015 - the year the Defense Department opened all combat jobs to women.