Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, September 29, called an abrupt in-person meeting of hundreds of US military officials to lay down a directives to the troops including end to “woke culture” in the military and “male-level” physical fitness standards. He also took a jibe at the previous leadership, saying the “overly-sensitive” leadership ends right away.

Hegseth's speech came as the country faces a potential government shutdown this week.

He also called for resignations if military leaders do not like his new approach. “If the words I'm speaking today are making your hearts sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign,” Hegseth said.

“I know the overwhelming majority of you feel the opposite. These words make your hearts full.”

Asserting that his speech would f

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