The Pentagon has instructed Army commanders to select only troops who meet specific physical and grooming criteria to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's upcoming "State of the Force" address. Internal emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal reveal that attendees must have "impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception)" and meet waist-to-height requirements.
The guidance, distributed to military commanders across the services, outlines a stringent set of qualifications for audience members. Beyond physical appearance, selected service members must be "consistently rated as top performers within their formations," possess a "clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service," and "demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure." They are also expected to "serve as role models for their peers and subordinates."
The address, scheduled for later this month, will feature an audience that may include lower-ranking officials and enlisted personnel. Those chosen will also have the opportunity to participate in a workout session with Hegseth, contingent on their "demonstrated leadership quality and professional character," according to the Journal.
This latest directive comes nearly a year after the Pentagon unveiled new grooming regulations that mandate service members be "clean shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance." Hegseth, a vocal proponent of these standards, stated at the time that the military's grooming policy is designed to ensure a disciplined and professional force.
While waivers for shaving are available through military medical channels, the final approval rests with the unit commander, as noted by Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell when the policy was introduced.
Hegseth has also implemented broader health and performance initiatives, including mandatory testosterone screening for male active-duty and reserve members over 30. The program, which includes blood tests and offers testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), aims to address hormonal imbalances. Female service members are asked about menstrual cycle irregularities that could indicate hormonal dysregulation.
In a video announcement in July, Hegseth framed these measures as essential for military readiness: "This initiative is not about artificial enhancement; it's about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities, protecting your longevity, ensuring you have the biological foundation required to sustain and fight."
The Pentagon has not responded to requests for comment on the latest email guidance. The move underscores the administration's focus on military appearance and physical readiness, which has drawn both support and criticism. Critics argue such stringent criteria may exclude highly capable troops, while proponents see them as reinforcing discipline. The event also comes amid broader debates over military funding and readiness, as highlighted by recent discussions on prioritizing defense spending.
