The Pentagon has reportedly sent an email to Army commanders asking them to identify soldiers who meet specific fitness and grooming standards to accompany Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his upcoming "State of the Force" speech on September 30. According to The Wall Street Journal, the message, sent on Tuesday, outlined requirements such as the Army’s preferred waist-to-height ratio, fitness test results, and "impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception)." The selected soldiers are expected to display strong leadership, professional character, and a consistent record of top performance in their units. They must also have a history of integrity, discipline, and selfless service, along with strong communication and presence, serving as role models for their peers and subordinates. A Pentagon official did not comment on the matter, but chief spokesman Sean Parnell previously said that Secretary Hegseth expects service members to maintain high standards in appearance, fitness, and discipline. Hegseth has long emphasized strict enforcement of rules on hair, weight, and grooming across all military ranks. Hegseth’s focus on personal appearance has become a defining feature of his tenure. In a memo from March 2025, he called for a review of all fitness, body composition, and grooming standards, including beards. In an August 2025 memo, he advocated for a "clean-shaven military." During a lecture at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, he reportedly told top generals and admirals that the "era of unprofessional appearance is over," adding, "No more beardos... We’re going to cut our hair, shave our beards, and adhere to standards." He also reportedly refused to meet with U.S. soldiers at Camp Humphreys in South Korea if they had been granted "shaver waivers," which allow medical exemptions from shaving. Earlier this year, he sent overweight members of the Texas National Guard home from an operation in Chicago after they appeared in a viral photo, and he criticized the Navy after encountering sailors with beards during an inspection. Hegseth has faced criticism for his approach to appearance standards. He was accused of "body shaming" a Canadian cadet instructor when he posted her picture on the social media platform X with a derogatory comment during a period of heightened U.S.-Canada trade tensions. Earlier this week, outgoing Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie introduced a resolution to impeach Hegseth, leading the House of Representatives to vote on the matter within two days. Massie accused the secretary of violating his oath of office, abusing his powers, and committing high crimes and misdemeanors, citing concerns about military operations in Iran, Caribbean boat incidents, and disputes over free speech.