Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled a sweeping 10-point plan to overhaul the U.S. military, vowing to eliminate 'identity politics,' DEI initiatives, and gender-based policies, while reinstating 'the highest male standard' for combat roles under President Trump's command.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico, detailed a comprehensive 10-point plan to transform U.S. military policy, philosophy, and culture for over 2 million service members under President Donald Trump. Hegseth criticized past promotions based on race, gender quotas, and 'historic so-called firsts,' arguing they made the Pentagon 'less capable and less lethal.' He emphasized a return to 'the warrior ethos' and 'peace through strength,' declaring an end to 'identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses,' 'climate change worship,' and 'gender delusions.' A key focus of Hegseth's plan is the revision of physical standards for combat roles. He stated that any standards altered since 2015, particularly those changed to accommodate females in combat arms, must revert to their 'original standard.' This refers to the 2015 decision by then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter to open all military jobs to women, acknowledging their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth clarified that the new policy aims to ensure 'every designated combat arms position returns to the highest male standard,' emphasizing that standards must be 'high and gender neutral.' He acknowledged that this 'could be the result' of fewer women qualifying for some combat jobs, though he stated it was not the intent. Iraq War veteran Jenn Bennie supported Hegseth's stance, advocating for a universal, high standard for all combat-capable personnel. Hegseth also questioned military standards from 1990, asking if changes since then were necessary for combat evolution or due to 'softening, weakening or gender-based pursuit of other priorities.' Before 1991, women were legally barred from combat missions and naval combat ships. These laws were rescinded in the early 1990s, partly due to women's performance in the Persian Gulf War and efforts to boost recruitment numbers post-Vietnam, a shift former Marine Corps prosecutor Gary Solis believes did not weaken the military.
