Key Takeaways
- Accountability Restored in the Ranks: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his push for strict military fitness standards after a viral photo showed overweight Texas National Guard troops arriving in Illinois.
- Noncompliant Troops Replaced: The Texas Military Department confirmed that a “small group” of Guardsmen were replaced after failing to meet physical readiness requirements during rapid mobilization.
- Hegseth’s Message: Strength Matters: Hegseth emphasized that America’s military must reflect readiness and discipline, declaring that there’s “no excuse” for unfit troops or senior officers in today’s armed forces.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is standing firm on his promise to restore military standards after a viral photo of overweight Texas National Guard troops arriving in Illinois set off a national debate about fitness and readiness.
Texas National Guard arrives in Illinois. Heard these guys are all picking up garbage and mowing lawns certified.
byu/slipknot_official inMilitary
“Standards are back at The [Department of War],” Hegseth wrote on social media Monday, confirming that several Guardsmen had been replaced following their deployment to Chicago. The troops were sent by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as part of a 200-member mission to assist federal protection efforts — but it wasn’t long before images of visibly out-of-shape soldiers in fatigues flooded the internet.
The photo backlash reignited conversation around Hegseth’s recent push for stricter fitness accountability. Speaking to top military brass last month, he said he was done seeing “fat troops” and “fat generals and admirals,” insisting that physical discipline is inseparable from combat readiness.
The National Guard Bureau quickly clarified that “all National Guard soldiers and airmen are required to meet service-specific height, weight, and physical fitness standards at all times.” Those who fail to meet the mark, the Bureau said, are returned home and replaced by those who do.
A Texas Military Department spokesperson later confirmed that “a small group” of Guardsmen had indeed been swapped out after failing validation checks.
“In less than 24 hours, Texas National Guardsmen mobilized for the Federal Protection Mission,” the spokesperson said. “We identified a small group of service members who were not in compliance and have been replaced.”
Hegseth’s message is clear: America’s armed forces must reflect strength, not softness.