Pete Hegseth Backs Texas National Guard for Enforcing Fitness Standards

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has praised the Texas Military Department (TMD) after it removed seven National Guard members who did not meet fitness or uniform standards from a recent deployment to Illinois.

The move came after public scrutiny over the physical condition of several troops seen in viral photos.

These remarks reflect Hegseth's earlier remarks to military leaders about the need for stricter enforcement of physical readiness across all ranks.

"The standards are the Standards," said retired U.S. Army Major General Boe Young. "You're expected to meet them or at least be making progress toward them."

He emphasized that while being overweight doesn't immediately disqualify a soldier from service, maintaining readiness is vital for global deployments.

Governor Greg Abbott recently deployed around 200 Texas National Guard members to Illinois; however, during the pre-mission validation process, seven soldiers were sent back after being found unfit for deployment.

"The Texas National Guard echoes Secretary Hegseth's message to the force," the TMD stated. "Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear."

Though currently restricted from operational activities due to ongoing legal disputes, the troops remain under the control of U.S. Northern Command and are continuing to plan and train near Chicago.

A federal appeals court recently ruled the deployment can continue under federal control, and is pending further legal review.