He also hit out at “fat troops” and said height and weight requirements would be brought in – as well as twice-yearly fitness tests. President Donald Trump was at the event and told reporters beforehand he was prepared to fire any generals or admirals he disliked “on the spot”. Mr Hegseth drove home that message as he said the days of “the woke department” were over. Mr Hegseth told them grooming standards would also be raised, with beards, long hair and “individual expression” now prohibited – “the era of unprofessional appearance is over. President Trump said last month the name sent a “message of strength” – and his speech on Tuesday also lauded America’s nuclear weapons capability.