Overview
- The Texas Military Department said a pre-mission validation identified seven Texas National Guard members who did not meet mission requirements, and they were returned to home station and replaced.
- Officials said the rapid 24-hour mobilization required a concurrent review process intended to verify height, weight and physical fitness compliance before active duty use.
- The National Guard Bureau reiterated that soldiers and airmen must meet service-specific standards at all times and that non-compliant personnel are removed from missions and replaced.
- A widely shared Associated Press photo published by ABC News showing heavier-set Guardsmen arriving in Illinois drew public scrutiny, though officials have not confirmed whether those pictured were among the recalled.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the Texas action as part of his push for stricter fitness and grooming rules, as courts have allowed federalization of troops but temporarily blocked active deployment in Chicago.