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US Defense Secretary "Opens Fire" on Overweight Generals
In a video that sparked widespread controversy across U.S. political and military circles, the American Defense Secretary was seen sharply criticizing certain military leaders suffering from obesity and excess weight, calling it a threat to the image and prestige of the armed forces before the world.
The Secretary :
did not mince words, bluntly stating:
- “How can an overweight general lead thousands of soldiers when
- he cannot even run a single mile?” He stressed that military leadership
- should embody discipline and physical fitness
not simply hold honorary positions attained through promotions.
His remarks
ignited heated debate within
the United States over military discipline standards. Supporters argue that
the military needs an "internal cleanup" to ensure the physical
and mental
- competence of its leaders, while critics say
- the Secretary’s tone was harsh and humiliating
- potentially undermining morale among soldiers and officers.
Reports suggest
the Pentagon has long struggled with rising obesity rates among some of its ranks, affecting physical test results and increasing injury risks linked to poor fitness.
Although various nutrition
- and fitness programs
- were launched in the past
- they have fallen short of expectations.
Military experts believe
the Secretary’s statements may be part of a broader plan to restructure the defense establishment, especially as the U.S. faces growing international challenges.
With increasing
military competition from China and Russia
observers emphasize the need for American military
leaders to
project strength and discipline both to their troops and to the world.
On social media
- the video went viral
- splitting public opinion.
- Some praised
the Secretary’s bluntness
- as a "necessary wake-up call," while others criticized it as a personal
- attack lacking political tact. Satirical comments mocked certain
while defenders countered that leadership competence should not be measured solely by physical fitness but also by strategic expertise and decision-making.
Ultimately
the Secretary’s remarks highlight a sensitive moment of self-assessment within the U.S. military. The institution now faces the challenge of balancing symbolic strength—through physical discipline
with practical
effectiveness in strategic planning. Whether the Defense Department will take concrete measures to address this issue or whether the Secretary’s words will fade as a passing media storm remains to be seen.