Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered an extensive military-wide review of physical fitness and grooming standards aimed at returning members to “maximum war-fighting readiness.”

New guidance for Marines gives them 90 days for health care providers to reevaluate those diagnosed with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, also known as razor bumps or ingrown hairs. 

The policy comprises four phases, starting with Marines diagnosed with the skin condition to get a waiver and stop shaving for a month. In more serious cases, they would forgo shaving for eight weeks and try waxing or chemical hair removal.

If unresponsive, the policy says they would undergo laser hair removal treatments at the government’s expense. If desired results aren’t seen after a year, members may be forcibly discharged.

This ruling would largely impact Black service members who make up 16% of the service, but hold 66% of waivers.

In a statement, the Marine Corps said it "remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of readiness, discipline, and lethality. This MARADMIN does not lower or change our standards but provides clear, standardized guidance on how medical conditions may temporarily impact grooming and uniform compliance. Our priority is to ensure the health and resilience of our Marines while maintaining our warfighting capability. These updates ensure consistency in the management of medical conditions while reinforcing our commitment to returning Marines to full compliance whenever possible. The strength of our force has always been our people, and this policy ensures they remain ready to fight and win."

Terence Dingle, U.S. Army veteran, joined “The Rush Hour” on Monday to react to the new grooming policies.

Tap the video player above to watch the interview.