Timmons Kicks Off Discussion to Examine Military Fitness Standards

WASHINGTON-Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) delivered opening remarks at today's roundtable titled "Fit to Serve: Oversight of U.S. Military Fitness Standards." In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Timmons introduced the participants and emphasized his support for maintaining the physical readiness of the U.S. military. He also highlighted how strongly U.S. national security relies on having a physically and mentally resilient military.

Below are Subcommittee Chairman Timmons's remarks as prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us today for this roundtable on the physical fitness of the U.S. military.

Today's roundtable is a little different from the typical hearing. Today's conversation will be informal. We will not keep time, and I will not be recognizing Members to speak, as we typically do with hearings.

We will instead hear from our participants when they introduce themselves and provide brief opening remarks.

During their remarks, Members-any Member-may engage and ask the panelists questions as we would during any briefing.

While I don't expect it to be an issue, I will do my best to ensure all Members have a chance to ask questions.

Members may, of course, follow up separately with our participants if there are questions or requests that were not addressed during the presentations.

I am now pleased to introduce our two roundtable participants here with us this afternoon:

Dr. Chris Schorr is the Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative at America First Policy Institute, or AFPI. Dr. Schorr is a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq war and supported the Defense Health Board, a Department of War federal advisory committee, prior to joining AFPI. Dr. Schorr's knowledge and passion about the issue of military physical fitness, particularly as a former Marine, brings a unique perspective to today's discussion.

We also have with us retired U.S. Marines Corps Major Jay Antonelli, a Senior Associate Athletic Director and Director of the Physical Education Department, at the U.S. Naval Academy. Major Antonelli is a graduate of the Academy and served in the U.S. Marine Corps for twenty years. He has a master's degree in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion. He currently runs physical training for incoming midshipmen going into the Naval Academy.

I note that Major Antonelli is here today in his personal capacity, and not as a representative of the U.S. Naval Academy.

As we consider the future of U.S. military fitness, I want to emphasize my support for the importance of maintaining the physical readiness of our soldiers and generals, echoing Secretary Hegseth's comments last fall about troop fitness levels.

He stated: "Our warfighters are entitled to be led by the best and most capable leaders."

Secretary Hegseth said this to hundreds of admirals and generals in Quantico last year. He further added, "We have a sacred duty to ensure that our warriors are led by the most capable and qualified combat leaders."

I couldn't agree more.

Our national security depends on a force that is not only technologically advanced, but also physically prepared to meet any challenge.

Key issues that deserve our attention and discussion include updating fitness standards to reflect the demands of modern warfare, ensuring equitable access to training resources, and investing in programs that support both physical and mental resilience.

It is essential that any policy changes we pursue should strengthen the effectiveness and well-being of our military personnel, so they can continue to serve at the highest level. A strong, prepared fighting force remains the foundation of our national defense and the freedoms it protects.

I look forward to an interesting dialog today.