Staff Reports
A revival of military pride and discipline is on the horizon as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken decisive action by ordering a comprehensive review of current military appearance and fitness standards. Back in the heyday of America’s military might, service members were proud to embrace the STRAC philosophy—”Strategic, Tough, Ready Around the Clock.” This ethos emphasized not just physical fitness, but also a sharp, soldierly appearance. Sadly, the recent years had seen a departure from this proud tradition, with too many members looking more relaxed than ready, prompting Hegseth’s move to restore order.
In stark contrast to the policies of the previous administration, which prided itself on diversity and inclusivity at the expense of military discipline, Hegseth’s directive marks a return to robust standards. Under the Biden era, policies allowed soldiers to express their individuality through nail polish and hair highlights, apparently substituting appearance for readiness. This laxity raised eyebrows among those who understand that a military force must prioritize its mission above all else. In an environment where warriors are expected to be ever-prepared for combat, concerns about hairstyling and personal grooming simply have no place.
Highlighting the newly relaxed body fat standards set by the Air Force and the grooming policies permitted for Army personnel, Hegseth’s order represents a long-overdue correction. The idea that a soldier might don nail polish while engaging in operations is ludicrous and undermines the very nature of military readiness. The role of the armed forces is not to serve as a diversity experiment but to prepare and execute critical missions without hesitation. The emphasis on professionalism in appearance is not just about aesthetics; it reflects a larger commitment to discipline and attention to detail, both of which are essential in maintaining a formidable fighting force.
.@TheGreatLander: "t…he military is like no other institution…They are not a jobs program. They cannot worry about 'diversity.' They are all about readiness…to go forth, find our country's enemies, and close with and destroy the enemy…" https://t.co/Y8AD9QFMYc
— Nan Hayworth, M.D. (@NanHayworth) March 13, 2025
Hegseth has courageously stepped up to remind military personnel that their primary job is to stand ready at a moment’s notice to confront and defeat enemies of the state, not to engage in debates about personal expression. After all, one’s job in the military is to fight, not to showcase individuality. This renewed initiative aims to instill a sense of pride and a shared purpose among service members, to remind them that their appearance is a reflection of the values and commitment they hold in their line of duty.
The return to STRAC standards isn’t simply a nostalgic yearning for the past; it represents a fundamental understanding that in the military, excellence has to be the norm. Expectations for appearance and fitness are crucial for fostering the unity and discipline that define the most successful military forces in the world. Hegseth’s leadership signals a much-needed shift in focus back towards what truly matters: preparing the military to carry out its vital mission. Under his guidance, American troops can look forward to regaining their place as the sharpest and most capable defenders of freedom, ready to put their best foot forward—quite literally.
