00:03Some Texas National Guard troops sent to Illinois were quietly sent back home because they didn't meet physical fitness standards.
00:09Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that some troops were removed after arriving near Chicago.
00:15The move followed a viral photo of Texas troops disembarking, with critics pointing to visible signs of poor fitness.
00:21Questions now swirl about how many were pulled, links to the viral photo, and what it says about readiness.
00:27Neither the Texas Military Department nor the National Guard Bureau has said who or how many were removed.
00:34A Texas spokesperson said the deployment launched in under 24 hours, so troops were evaluated on arrival.
00:40Officials said a small group, failed height, weight, or physical training requirements, and those troops were quickly replaced.
00:48For many, the question is whether this is a one-off issue or something bigger.
00:52The National Guard Bureau reminded that all troops must meet physical fitness standards at all times.
00:58Those who don't cannot continue the mission and are sent back and replaced.
01:03Secretary Hegseth is not backing away from his position.
01:07After meeting with senior leaders at Marine Corps University, Hegseth said readiness isn't optional, and he's setting the example.
01:14He still does hard training.
01:16Hot yoga and stretching don't count, Hegseth said.
01:18Real, hard PT, either as a unit or an individual.
01:23That's the standard.
01:25He didn't stop there.
01:27In a now widely circulated quote, Hegseth said,
01:30Frankly, it's tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops.
01:36Likewise, it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon leading commands around the country and the world.
01:43That bluntness is earning him both criticism and praise, depending on who you ask.
01:49Meanwhile, those who remained in Illinois haven't deployed after a court ruling temporarily blocked their involvement, citing no clear threat.
01:57Judge April Perry ruled DHS had not provided credible evidence of immediate danger or rebellion, effectively pausing the plan.
02:04The story continues to develop with questions about a rushed deployment, fitness rates on missions, and fixes.
02:11For now, the message from the Secretary is clear.
02:14Standards are back.
02:15But whether the rest of the system is ready to meet them, that's still up for debate.
02:19Congratulations.
02:20Oh dearly, I am open with our OnlyFaitz, myutersan side with company.
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