U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a drastic change in the institutional culture of the Armed Forces on Tuesday, rejecting what he called "politically correct" leadership and "woke" policies.
In a surprise meeting with hundreds of military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, Hegseth outlined this new set of directives designed to reorder priorities, reinforce traditional physical and disciplinary standards, and reduce what he considers excessive identity-based criteria in leadership selection.
What does the term 'woke' mean?
The term “woke” or “be awake” either “be aware”In African-American culture in the U.S., it began to be used to describe people who were aware of social and racial injustice, especially racism and discrimination.
Over time, the term has been broadened, and in current American politics it is used more generally—and controversially—to refer to progressive positions on issues such as:
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in institutions.
- Rights of racial, gender, and sexual orientation minorities.
- Environmental or social policies that seek to be more inclusive or culturally “correct.”
In conservative political discourse (such as that of Trump or Hegseth), "woke" is used critically to point out what they consider to be the excesses of political correctness or progressive ideology within institutions such as education, business, or, in this case, the military.
Main announcements and measures
- Male-level fitness standards will be established as a benchmark for all members, regardless of gender, with more rigorous physical testing.
- Certain legal protections related to harassment, discipline, and hazing will be relaxed, and how internal disciplinary rules are applied will be reviewed.
- Hiring or promotion standards based on gender identity, race, or other demographic factors will be eliminated; emphasis will shift to merit and "traditional" military leadership or combat ability.
- Appearance restrictions: stricter rules on facial hair and hair length, except in special forces.
- A return to the warrior ethos will be promoted, valuing discipline, physical toughness, and military preparation above social, environmental, or identity-based initiatives.
Reactions:
- The measures are aligned with the agenda of President Donald Trump, who has publicly promoted the rollback of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and the elimination of what some call progressive policies within the military.
- Experts and some senior officials have expressed concerns, warning of risks related to recruitment, internal morale, and staff retention, especially among those who disagree with the new standards or feel marginalized.
- There are questions about how some constitutional changes will be legally implemented, especially those that could affect the civil and personal rights of troops who have so far served under other policies.
What's at stake
This institutional shift represents a move toward more traditional and rigid military values, according to the vision of the Pentagon's current civilian leaders. The implications are multiple:
- The demographic composition of the forces could change if fewer people qualify under the new physical standards.
- Changes in internal discipline could affect how leadership is handled at all levels.
- Potential impact on the relationship between political leadership and military commanders, especially if disagreements arise over what constitutes merit, appropriate standards, or legal interpretations of certain rights.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Sources:
English 
Spanish