Hegseth's focus on fitness and grooming is back in the spotlight ahead of another big speech

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaking during a recent ceremony. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Troops selected to attend an upcoming meeting must meet weight and grooming standards, the Wall Street Journal reported. Commands were reportedly told to choose top performers with strong leadership qualities. The gathering comes a year after Hegseth summoned hundreds of senior military leaders to Quantico. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wants only fit, well-groomed troops in the audience for an upcoming address in Quantico, Virginia, later this month, according to a new report. The selection criteria reflect Hegseth's broader focus on physical fitness and the military's public image . According to internal emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal , troops in attendance for Hegseth's speech must meet the military's weight requirements and maintain "impeccable" grooming standards.