Pete Hegseth's big FAFO message to ‘enemies’: What did the Secretary of War mean?

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday delivered remarks to generals and admirals gathered for a surprise event in Virginia

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday delivered remarks to generals and admirals gathered for a surprise event in Virginia, warning ‘enemies’ about the strength of the US military. The 45-year-old gave a big ‘FAFO’ message to those who ‘challenge us’.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addresses senior military officers at Marine Corps Base Quantico (AFP)

“Should our enemies choose foolishly to challenge us, they will be crushed by violence, precision, and ferocity of the War Department. To our enemies, FAFO,” Hegseth said, leaving hundreds of social media users asking about the meaning of FAFO.

What does FAFO mean?

FAFO is an internet slang acronym that stands for “F* Around and Find Out.” It serves as a warning that careless or provocative behavior will eventually lead to consequences. Though the phrase has been around for some time, the shortened form ‘FAFO’ has recently become popular. A softer alternative is "Fool Around and Find Out".

Meanwhile, Hegseth said that the US military will require those in combat jobs to meet ‘this highest male standard only’.

“I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out shape, or in a combat unit with females who can’t meet the same Combat Arms physical standards as men, or troops who are not fully proficient on their assigned weapons, platform, or task, or under a leader who was the first but not the best. Standards must be uniform, gender neutral, and high,” Hegseth said.

“When it comes to combat arms units, and there are many different stripes across our joint force, the era of politically correct, overly sensitive, don’t hurt anyone’s feelings leadership ends right now. At every level, either you can meet the standard, either you can do the job, either you are disciplined, fit, and trained, or you are out," he added.