The U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth led a brigade of push-ups with 3,068 participants —cadets, officers, and enthusiasts— during the Navy–Air Force game.
With this, he helped establish a Guinness record for “most people doing push-ups simultaneously for one minute”. According to the information revealed on the social media profiles of the Department of War, the record surpassed the previous mark of 2,926 set by the Air Force Academy in 2023.
The milestone was part of festivities in which Hegseth played a prominent role both inside and outside the camp.
The Navy not only defeated its classic rival 34-31 but also snatched the world record for push-ups from the cadets of Colorado Springs, a symbolic gesture that amplified the sporting victory. On social media, Hegseth's achievement received praise and went viral due to the massive nature of the exercise.
After the match, Hegseth entered the locker room and gave the players an exuberant speech in celebration. The victory put the Navy (5-0) in a strong position to retain the Commander in Chief Trophy, which is contested among the Navy, Air Force, and Army in a round-robin format.
The team will aim to secure the cup in the traditional Army-Navy Game on December 13.
Earlier that same Saturday, Hegseth dismissed the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Jon Harrison, who was appointed in January, in a decision that added institutional tension to a day marked by sports and entertainment.
Days ago, the Secretary of War gained attention when he stated in an extraordinary meeting with hundreds of high-ranking officials in Quantico that he will restore the "highest male standard" in the armed forces.
In this regard, he referred to a zero tolerance for "fat" soldiers and the end of beards, along with a reinforcement of physical tests and appearance standards. According to Hegseth, the measure aims to "restore discipline, image, and fitness" and reverse what he sees as a permissive culture.
Guinness World Record and Military Politics in the United States
What Guinness record did the U.S. Secretary of War help establish?
The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, helped establish a Guinness World Record for "most people doing push-ups simultaneously in one minute," leading 3,068 participants during the Navy-Air Force game.
What was the context behind the dismissal of the Chief of Naval Staff?
On the same day the Guinness record was set, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth dismissed Chief of Naval Operations Jon Harrison, adding institutional tension to a day marked by sporting events and shows. This decision is part of a context of military reforms and leadership changes promoted by Hegseth.
What changes has Pete Hegseth proposed for the U.S. military?
Pete Hegseth has proposed restoring the "highest male standard" in the armed forces, eliminating inclusion and diversity policies. He has also advocated for more rigorous physical testing and expressed his opposition to beards and a permissive culture, aiming to restore military discipline and fitness.
What recent events have shaped U.S. military policy under Hegseth's leadership?
Under Hegseth's leadership, U.S. military policy has been marked by controversial decisions, such as the renaming of the Department of Defense to "Department of War" and the dismissal of senior military leaders. Additionally, an unprecedented meeting was held with top commanders to announce ideological and regulatory transformations that tighten physical standards and eliminate inclusion policies.
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