Hegseth Orders Review of Combat Fitness Standards to Ensure Equal Requirements for Male and Female Troops

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a 60-day review of physical standards for military combat roles to ensure that women are not being granted exemptions for physically demanding jobs.

In a memo signed Sunday and released Monday, Hegseth directed all military branches to review and update physical fitness standards for combat arms jobs. The review will focus on whether current standards reflect the physical demands of combat roles and whether any exceptions have been made for women.

Hegseth said the goal is to make sure U.S. forces remain “lethal, ready, and held to the highest possible standards.”

“For far too long, we allowed standards to slip, and different standards for men and women in combat arms jobs. That’s not acceptable,” Hegseth said in a video posted to X.

For far too long, we have allowed standards to slip. We’ve had different standards for men/women serving in combat arms MOS’s and jobs….

That’s not acceptable, and it changes right now! pic.twitter.com/Zn9OyBew6G

— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 31, 2025

The memo mandates that all physical standards for combat positions be sex-neutral, based solely on the operational demands of the job.

It highlights three areas that require heightened physical standards: ground combat operations, special operations forces, and specialized roles such as Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal.

For ground roles, the standards include the ability to carry heavy loads, endure prolonged physical exertion, and operate effectively in harsh environments. Special operations roles require advanced skills like swimming, parachuting, and climbing.

“All combat roles will remain open to women, but they must all meet the same, high standard,” Hegseth said.

It is unclear whether the review could lead to any service members being reassigned or removed from their current roles. New standards are expected to be implemented within six months of the review’s completion in May.

Women make up about 18% of the active-duty force. As of late 2024, roughly 4,800 women serve in Army infantry, armor, and artillery roles. These positions were opened to women in 2016 under policies from the Obama administration.

Earlier this month, Hegseth also ordered a separate review of all military fitness and grooming standards put in place since 2015.