Hegseth’s unusual Pentagon rulebook expands as he introduces new test for General promotions

The evaluation is intended to screen the officers aimed for one-star general or admiral on 'their ability to fight, adapt, and win’
Hegseth declared the Defense Department this year will roll out the Joint Warfighter Evaluation, a new battlefield-style assessment for eligible colonels and Navy captains (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Hegseth declared the Defense Department this year will roll out the Joint Warfighter Evaluation, a new battlefield-style assessment for eligible colonels and Navy captains (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)


WASHINGTON, DC: After strange grooming rulebook for troops to be selected as audience to attend his event, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has now come up with a strange rule for General promotion.

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 later this month.

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

Hegseth brings battlefield condition for promotion on top post

In a video posted to social media, Hegseth declared the Defense Department this year will roll out the Joint Warfighter Evaluation, a new battlefield-style assessment for eligible colonels and Navy captains.

Pete Hegseth jumps in on the action, doing pushups at the Navy vs Air Force match (@EricLDaugh/X)
Pete Hegseth jumps in on the action, doing pushups at the Navy vs Air Force match (@EricLDaugh/X)

The evaluation is intended to screen the officers aimed for one-star general or admiral on “their ability to fight, adapt, and win,” according to Hegseth.

“While the backbone of our military is our NCOs [noncommissioned officers] and our petty officers, victory depends on the commanders who lead them,” Hegseth said in the video.

“America needs warfighters who can master a chaotic battle space,” he added, later noting that commanders should be chosen by “proven competence, not paper credential.”

Hegseth argues why such testing important

Hegseth compared the new test to the Louisiana Maneuvers. These were large military exercises held before the US entered World War II.

Around 400,000 troops took part in the war games. The exercises tested the military’s training, logistics and commanders.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (L) shakes hands with U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George during the Department of War 2025 National Prisoner of POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony at the Pentagon on September 19, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. The POW/MIA Recognition Day honors service members who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Hegseth said the tests helped identify military leaders such as former President Dwight Eisenhower, Army Gen. Omar Bradley and Adm. Chester Nimitz. Eisenhower later led the Allied invasion of Normandy (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Hegseth said the tests helped identify military leaders such as former President Dwight Eisenhower, Army Gen. Omar Bradley and Adm. Chester Nimitz. Eisenhower later led the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Bradley became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later oversaw US military policy during the Korean War. Nimitz commanded Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II.

Pentagon set bizarre grooming to attend Hegseth’s event

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.

The emails sent to commanders 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.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrives to meet with members of the U.S. National Guard at Meridian Hill Park on July 02, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrives to meet with members of the US National Guard at Meridian Hill Park on July 02, 2026 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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.

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