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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for a shift from "woke" to "warrior" culture in the military and decried diversity initiatives during a speech to hundreds of generals and admirals on Tuesday.
Hegseth addressed the commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, where he issued 10 directives to overhaul military policies. The gathering followed a week of short-notice summons for senior officers from around the world, according to Pentagon officials.
Hegseth said the military had lost its way under previous leadership. "Foolish and reckless political leaders set the wrong compass heading and we lost our way. We became the 'Woke Department,'" he said.
He announced new physical fitness standards requiring all service members to meet the "highest male standard" in tests and grooming requirements. "No more fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon," Hegseth said. "If you do not meet the male level physical standards for combat positions, cannot pass a PT test or don't want to shave and look professional, it's time for a new position or a new profession."
The directives also eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, identity months and equal opportunity offices, officials said. Hegseth said promotions based on race, gender quotas or "historic so-called firsts" contributed to "decades of decay."
"If the words I'm speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign. We would thank you for your service," Hegseth said.
President Donald Trump spoke after Hegseth and said the military was reawakening its warrior spirit. Trump suggested U.S. cities could serve as training grounds for troops.
The event followed Trump's executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a title last used in 1947, according to White House officials.
Pentagon officials said the directives take effect immediately. A spokesperson for the Defense Department was not immediately available for further comment.
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