Texas National Guard Member Removed After Viral Photo
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is highlighting the Texas Department of Military Affairs’ action to remove a National Guard member from Chicago, following the viral spread of a photo featuring an allegedly overweight service member.
“Standards are back,” Hegseth commented on social media Monday, sharing an article about the situation from tasks and objectives.
Last week, Texas National Guard troops began arriving in Illinois after Texas Governor Greg Abbott dispatched the initial 200 personnel to the state. This move was briefly stalled by an appeals court. Nonetheless, viral images from ABC News showing troops arriving near Chicago captured significant public interest.
The photo that emerged showed a number of Guardsmen in military uniforms, carrying rifles and duffel bags. Unfortunately, their perceived overweight appearances sparked ridicule online.
Online reactions referenced comments made by Hegseth last month to military leaders regarding physical fitness standards. He expressed a desire to see fewer “fat troops” or “fat generals and admirals.”
In an apparent response to the backlash, the National Guard Bureau stated that all National Guard and Air Force personnel are required to consistently meet military-specific height, weight, and physical fitness standards.
The Bureau noted, “When mobilized to active duty, members undergo a verification process to ensure compliance with these requirements. If a member is found non-compliant, they will not perform their assigned duties and will be sent back to their home station, with a compliant replacement taking their place.”
Subsequently, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Military Affairs shared that a “small group” of Illinois National Guard members was replaced after failing to meet specific standards.
“Less than 24 hours later, the Texas National Guard was activated for a federal protection mission,” the spokesperson explained. “Due to our rapid response, we had to verify members in parallel, identifying and replacing a small group who did not meet standards.”
The Texas Department of Military Affairs has not yet responded to requests for further comment.
Hegseth has consistently stressed the importance of military personnel adhering to strict fitness guidelines. In a statement last month, he mandated that all military personnel, regardless of rank, must complete physical fitness tests and meet height and weight standards biannually.
“Honestly, I get tired of seeing large groups of troops in formations,” he remarked previously. “It’s also unacceptable to have overweight generals and admirals leading from the Pentagon.”
