On September 30, in front of hundreds of officers at Quantico ( Virginia), US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented a vision on how to operate the military, and warned those who disagreed to consider resigning.
He said that policies promoting diversity, equality and integration over the past decade have gone too far, weakening discipline and command.
Accordingly, Mr. Hegseth announced 10 new directives, which require soldiers to strictly comply with physical standards, have a neat shave and apply men's standards to combat positions. He added that if this means there are no more women in some positions, it must be accepted.
The directives also call for a review of concepts such as torture, bullying or harm - which, according to him, have been abused. Hegseth has vowed to end what he calls correct politics in the military, from equal- chances programs to identity months.
He also said that rookie coaches need to be allowed to "touch up the soldiers", search their rooms and re-apply the form of "shark attack" training. rookie coaches must return to the true sense:terrifying, harsh and disciplined - Mr. Hegseth emphasized.
The minister also encouraged soldiers to be flexible in applying the "law of war", emphasizing the need for "overwhelming power" on the battlefield. This view has been controversial as he has repeatedly expressed skepticism about war crime investigations.
Mr. Hegseth's speech was continued by President Donald Trump, who affirmed his willingness to fire any officer he considered inappropriate.
