US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told hundreds of military leaders on Tuesday that the “era of politically correct leadership” in the armed forces was over. Speaking alongside US President Donald Trump at a meeting of senior officers at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth said too many commanders had been promoted for reasons other than ability. “The era of politically correct, overly sensitive don’t-hurt-anyone’s-feelings leadership ends right now at every level,” Hegseth said, according to the Associated Press (AP). He added that those who disagreed with his approach should “do the honourable thing and resign.” Hegseth announced new directives for the military, including changes to physical fitness rules. He said combat standards must be “high and gender neutral,” noting: “If women can make it excellent, if not, it is what it is. If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it.” He said he was reviewing definitions of “toxic leadership, bullying and hazing” to give commanders more freedom to enforce discipline. “People make honest mistakes, and our mistakes should not define an entire career,” he said. Hegseth also criticised diversity and environmental policies, vaccine mandates and rules for transgender troops. He said the focus should return to “the warrior ethos” and “peace through strength,” according to AP. The gathering of top generals and admirals had been called at short notice by Trump and Hegseth, with little explanation given beforehand.
