Hegseth: Men and Women in Combat Must Meet ‘Same, High Standard’

‘All combat roles will only have sex-neutral standards. Common sense,’ the defense secretary says.

US troops take part in weapons training during the 'Balikatan' or 'shoulder-to-shoulder' US-Philippines joint military exercises in Fort Magsaysay on April 13, 2023 in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

The Defense Department on Monday revealed that it would be imposing “sex-neutral” standards for military combat roles.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the changes to its physical fitness requirements in an effort to “fix” the standards that he said were “lowered” under President Barack Obama’s administration.