US defence secretary reviewing rules on military’s fitness and appearance

A general view of of the Pentagon (Niall Carson/PA)

The US defence secretary’s decision to review military standards on combat and physical fitness and appearance opens a Pandora’s box of widely differing rules among the services.

Pete Hegseth has been very public about his opposition to women in combat jobs and his belief that standards were lowered to accommodate women, and he warned there would be reviews to address the issues.