QUANTICO, VA — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed hundreds of the nation’s top generals and admirals at the Marine Corps Museum last week, delivering a blunt and sweeping directive: the U.S. military will abandon policies associated with diversity, inclusion, and progressive cultural norms in favor of a renewed focus on discipline, warfighting, and traditional standards.
“The era of the Department of Defense is over,” Hegseth said. “Welcome to the War Department.”
The September 27 gathering, one of the largest meetings of general and flag officers in recent memory, was described by Hegseth as the beginning of a cultural and operational overhaul intended to “restore the warrior ethos.” In the course of his 45-minute speech, he laid out the administration’s intent to eliminate what he called “division, distraction or gender delusions” within the ranks.
“No more identity months. No more DEI offices. No more dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship. No more division, distraction or gender delusions. No more debris,” Hegseth said, followed by: “We are done with that sh*t.”
In his remarks, Hegseth signaled a clear break from policies implemented over the past decade and emphasized what he framed as a return to fundamentals. According to the official Department of War transcript, the following initiatives are being implemented:
Fitness and Grooming Standards
Hegseth emphasized that all troops will be expected to meet the same physical standards, with no variations based on gender. “It all starts with physical fitness and appearance,” he said, noting that commanders should no longer accept poor physical conditioning at any level.
“Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations… and see fat troops. It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals… It is a bad look. It is bad, and it’s not who we are.”
While specific regulations were not detailed in the address, Hegseth indicated that enforcement of grooming and uniform standards will become stricter. Appearance, he said, is a reflection of the seriousness and professionalism expected from the force.
Disbanding DEI Initiatives
One of the most definitive policy reversals concerns the termination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Hegseth announced that all DEI offices across the services would be disbanded.
“We are a warfighting institution. That’s it. One mission: Fight and win America’s wars. We are not an equity seminar.”
Hegseth also promised a reconfiguration of the Department’s Inspector General office, claiming it had become politicized. While he did not specify how, he suggested the system for handling complaints had deterred commanders from disciplining subordinates or maintaining order.
A Shift in Military Culture
The changes outlined represent a decisive pivot from the policies of previous administrations, especially regarding gender identity and cultural accommodation within the ranks. While Hegseth did not formally announce a ban on transgender service, his language — particularly referencing “dudes in dresses” — makes clear the administration’s stance on the issue.
The Defense Department currently screens recruits for a variety of psychological and physical conditions that may impact deployability. Gender dysphoria had been a disqualifying condition in the past, and it remains unclear how this will be handled under the new guidance.
In July a male officer who modified his body to look like a woman was ordered not to wear a female dress uniform to a graduation ceremony.
Read the story: Army Major Ordered to Wear Uniform of His Gender for Graduation
Hegseth’s remarks suggest a broader realignment of military culture. His call for “a return to discipline, standards, merit, and unapologetic lethality” is intended to resonate across all branches and ranks.
“We exist to destroy the enemies of the United States of America… The next war is coming. You are responsible for preparing for it. We will not lose the next war.”
Reception and Next Steps
There has been no official pushback from uniformed leadership so far. However, the new directives are expected to trigger legal and institutional responses in the weeks ahead. Advocacy groups are already signaling concern about potential discrimination or reversal of previously expanded service eligibility.
At the same time, supporters of the changes have framed the shift as a necessary correction — one they say restores the military’s core identity and readiness in the face of emerging global threats.
For now, the message from the top is unambiguous: the U.S. military is no longer being shaped by political trends — and those who can’t meet the standard are being encouraged to find the exit.
“We don’t owe anyone a uniform,” Hegseth said. “You are either ready to fight and win America’s wars, or you are not.”
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