Gender and Defense

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in a new podcast interview, defended his late‑September policy requiring all combat personnel to meet the highest male physical standard and said services will implement the change over a 3–6 month window. He said women who meet the standard can serve but added 'so be it' if the policy effectively excludes some, and noted troops are being given time to get back into shape before the standards are fully enforced.