Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a comprehensive review of military health and appearance standards across all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

In a memo issued Wednesday, Hegseth directed senior Pentagon leadership to assess the evolution of policies regarding physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, with a focus on changes implemented since January 1, 2015.

“We must remain vigilant in maintaining the standards that enable the men and women of our military to protect the American people and our homeland as the world’s most lethal and effective fighting force,” Hegseth stated.

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A key aspect of the review is the military’s longstanding policies on facial hair. Currently, service members can only grow beards if they receive a waiver for medical conditions, religious accommodations, or other approved reasons.

While some branches have started to reassess these regulations, there remains debate over whether broader allowances should be made.

In recent years, the Air Force has taken steps toward greater flexibility regarding facial hair. In 2020, the branch extended medical waivers for beards from one year to five years.

Additionally, discussions have taken place about implementing a pilot program that would allow participating airmen and guardians to grow beards under controlled conditions.

Despite growing calls for reform, the topic remains contentious.

In May 2024, an Army master sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division claimed that he was passed over for a position because of his beard, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding facial hair regulations in the military.

Beyond grooming standards, the Pentagon’s review will also scrutinize physical fitness requirements.

This follows a recent federal watchdog report that criticized the Army for permitting recruits into a fitness course despite their body fat composition exceeding the required limits.

The report raised concerns about the health of incoming service members and the Army’s ability to enforce its own standards.

The Army has taken steps to address these concerns by expanding its Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program, which was first introduced in 2018.

The initiative, aimed at improving service members’ overall well-being, includes guidance on physical training, mental resilience, and sleep habits. The Army intends to fully implement the program across the entire service by 2032.

As the Pentagon embarks on this review, it remains to be seen how existing policies will evolve.

Whether through updated fitness criteria or revised grooming regulations, Hegseth’s directive underscores the importance of maintaining a military force that is both physically capable and prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare.