Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePete Hegseth, the "Secretary of War" appointed by US President Donald Trump, unveiled new directives to over 800 senior military leaders at a Marine Corps base in Virginia. He announced that all designated Combat Arms roles would revert to "highest male standard only," effectively reversing a 2015 directive that opened all combat roles to women. Hegseth also said that policies aimed at preventing hazing and bullying would be rolled back, arguing that definitions of "toxic leadership" had been "weaponized." He criticized past efforts to diversify the military, advocating for a return to "1990s standards" when women and LGBT+ people were barred from combat roles. The directives include reforms to the Pentagon Inspector General's office and Equal Opportunity offices, which will eliminate anonymous complaints for issues such as racial discrimination or sexual harassment. In fullGenerals silent as Hegseth ends ‘warrior ethos’ rally speech: ‘Out with the Milleys’ and ‘in with the Pattons’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Defence Secretary Hegseth challenges U.S. military leaders on race, gender quotas, hazing, and "woke" culture.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestylePete Hegseth, the "Secretary of War"…

President and defense chief delivered pair of incendiary speeches to a crowd of hundreds of generals and admirals

Pentagon chief railed against diversity and fat-shamed the troops as he directed his generals to fall in line – or quit

The US Secretary of Defense said he wants a return to the 'male standard' for combat roles. Woman veterans say the standards were never different.

No more ‘beardos’ or ‘dudes in dresses’, forces leaders have been told