A “small group” of the 200 Texas National Guard troops deployed to Illinois was reportedly sent home after a photo of several heavyset guardsmen arriving in the state sparked viral criticism over fitness standards.
The Texas Military Department said that an unspecified number were not “in compliance” with its “validation process,” Task & Purpose reported. A photo taken by an Associated Press photographer and published by ABC News last week showed the larger-bodied National Guard members.
Members of the Texas National Guard have arrived in Illinois, according to sources familiar with their whereabouts and video taken of them at an Army Reserve training facility in a Chicago suburb.
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“In less than 24 hours, Texas National Guardsmen mobilized for the Federal Protection Mission,” a spokesperson told Task & Purpose by email this weekend. “The speed of the response necessitated a concurrent validation process, during which we identified a small group of service members who were not in compliance and have been replaced.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responded to the Task & Purpose article on social media, writing, “Standards are back at The [Department of War].” Since taking over at what was previously known as the Defense Department, Hegseth has gone on a fitness blitz, urging military leaders and troops to uphold strict standards, telling military leaders last month that it’s “tiring” to “see fat troops” and “it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals.”
The National Guard Bureau, which operates within the War Department, released a statement after the photo went viral, emphasizing that troops “are required to meet service-specific height, weight and physical fitness standards at all times.”
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“When mobilizing for active duty, members go through a validation process to ensure they meet those requirements,” the bureau added. “On the rare occasions when members are found not in compliance, they will not go on mission. They will be returned to their home station, and replacements who do meet standards will take their places.”
Social media users poked fun at the troops shown in the AP photo. One X user wrote, “Meal Team 6 reporting for duty,” while another person said, “Guess they missed @PeteHegseth memo about weight.”
The Army Fitness Test, which National Guard troops are required to pass, “consists of six events that assess strength and endurance, improving readiness and preventing injuries.” Troops are required to take the test at least once a year.
The Trump administration deployed around 300 National Guard troops to Illinois as the president seeks to crack down on illegal immigration and violent crime in the Chicago area. The Trump administration, however, has been blocked by an appeals court from deploying those troops to the streets.
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