Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a review of military standards, including fitness, body composition, and grooming, to ensure readiness and meritocracy.

The review will assess changes since 2015, when combat roles were opened to women—a policy Hegseth previously opposed but later softened on.

The Pentagon may revise the Army Combat Fitness Test, which currently has different requirements based on gender and age.

The review could also address grooming standards and their impact on recruitment and retention, CBS News has reported.

Hegseth’s initiative follows concerns that military standards have eroded.

Written by B.C. Begley