India, Sept. 17 -- The Pentagon has established rigid physical and professional criteria for service members wishing to attend an upcoming address by US secretary of war Pete Hegseth, reflecting his continued drive to enforce stringent military discipline. According to internal emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, military commanders across the branches have been instructed to nominate junior officers and enlisted personnel who embody the highest standards of physical fitness, professional character, and military appearance.

The select audience will gather for the scheduled September 30 "State of the Force" address, where attendees may also have the opportunity to participate in a rigorous physical training session with the secret...