PHAT, PETE!

PHAT, PETE!

By Andy Weddington

Friday, 24 October 2025

Leadership is action, not position.  - Donald McGannon

Since Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed his senior uniformed folks a few weeks ago aboard the Marine base in Quantico much has been written criticizing his approach. And much in praise. 

Some unhappy admirals and generals soon thereafter opting to retire.  

Their departure in truth force multiplier. 

As there is no place, whatsoever, for those, any rank, out-of-step with the President and his War Secretary. 

Of note is the Secretary's overdue and correct emphasis on personal appearance and physical fitness.

Review common leadership principles and traits across the Department of War, particularly Marine Corps, and it's impossible to not see the relevancy of appearance and fitness in each principle and trait.  

Leadership, all that responsibility entails, begins with example. 

Lack of example - beginning with poor physical appearance and physical fitness - reflects failed self-discipline. 

When the obvious is out of order, what else is not in order?

Graduating Officer Candidates School 45+ years ago our platoon sergeant handed each candidate (soon-to-be second lieutenant) a 3 x 5 inches index card with handwritten charge: Spit and polish is the outward sign of a good Marine. [I still have that index card.]

Spit and polish, literally and figuratively (to be sharp and fit in uniform). 

That counsel practiced for 26+ years; not wanting to disappoint my platoon sergeant. 

A recruit training battalion commander at Parris Island, 42 years ago, had on shelf behind desk a placard: Don't Confuse Effort with Results. 

Too, he had philosophy oft repeated to officers: Take care of the small things and the big things take care of themselves. [Relevant translation: Taking care of eating and exercising takes care of not getting big.] 

Time-tested his guidance, likewise practiced for decades, proved correct. And still. 

Yes, he was trim and fit. And competent. He led. The battalion followed. 

Adhering to appearance and fitness standards requires self-discipline (there is not commonly believed condition called age-related weight gain). 

Self-discipline is leadership.

It is ridiculous any admiral or general is derelict meeting appearance and fitness standards. Fat and not physically fit admirals and generals tolerate fat and not physically fit admirals and generals. And it snowballs. 

As another trim, fit, and competent battalion commander at Parris Island was fond of reminding, "Tone is set at the top."

Secretary Pete Hegseth, by example, expects admirals and generals to not be fat and to be fit - leadership.

Now, for the Secretary to realize that expected he must inspect. 

Inspect not thru proxy but showing up regularly and unannounced - trim and fit as he always presents. 

Those failing to shed pounds and times shed uniform. 

Simple as that.   

Phat, Pete!