Hegseth's Pentagon sets bizarre standards for troops at his big address, emails reveal

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the impeachment resolution introduced by fellow Republican Thomas Massie, Pete Hegseth has grabbed headlines for another controversial development at the Pentagon.

The Pentagon is reportedly asking troops to meet waist-to-height requirements and follow “impeccable” grooming standards to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s 'State of the Force' address later this month.

Emails reveal bizarre standards for attendees

A Wall Street Journal report published on Tuesday, September 15, claimed that the Pentagon set grooming and dress standards for troops to attend an official event.

According to the report, emails from the Pentagon sent to Army commanders reveal that the department ordered troops to meet “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception)” to attend the 'State of the Force' address.

Emails also revealed that troops selected to attend the event must be top performers.

The emails said members selected to attend must be “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates,” per The WSJ.

Commanders throughout the military received the emails outlining the rules to select the audience members for the address.

Lower-ranking officials and enlisted service members can also be selected for the event if they fulfill the requirement.

Selected members will also have the opportunity to work with the defense secretary based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the outlet.

Only commanders can approve attendees

Service members would be able to obtain shaving waivers through military medical officials, but ultimately the commander was the final approving authority, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, said.

“The grooming standard set by the US military is to be clean-shaven and neat in presentation for a proper military appearance,” Hegseth said when the standards were announced almost a year ago.

Hegseth has also introduced screening for active-duty and reserve male service members over 30. They can have their testosterone levels checked through blood tests and may be offered testosterone treatment.

Female service members are asked if they have irregular menstrual cycles that could be linked to hormone problems, according to the guidelines.

“This initiative, it’s 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,” Hegseth stated in a video announcement two months ago.