In August 2025, United States Well being and Human Providers Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Warfare Pete Hegseth introduced the creation of what they referred to as the Pete and Bobby Problem. The problem referred to as for Individuals to carry out 50 pullups and 100 pushups in any order of choice in 10 minutes or much less.
Hegseth expressed that the objective was for navy members to indicate simply how match they honestly are.
“We would like recruits which can be able to go; which can be challenged,” Hegseth mentioned. He and Kennedy had been within the Pentagon Athletic Middle together with a number of servicemembers throughout a number of navy branches to push themselves and see who may publish the quickest time.
Each Kennedy and Hegseth each reported that they completed in lower than six minutes. Others chimed in that they broke 5 minutes, which was thought of an elite time. Nonetheless, everybody within the room was surprised to seek out out somebody knocked out all 150 complete reps in 2 minutes and 43 seconds. That somebody was United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant DaQuan Hye. .
Hye, who’s stationed on the Pentagon, first turned conscious of the problem after seeing an e-mail that referenced it together with a request for members. Hye requested to be part of it and was accepted. He vividly recalled the vitality within the room on that day. Talking for the Marines that had been there, Hye mentioned the target was clear.
“We needed to demolish all people,” he acknowledged with emphasis.
Hye and the opposite Marines heard the main points of the exercise and instantly knew they might be better off. That’s as a result of pullups are part of their standard health take a look at, which means they went into the Pete and Bobby Problem with an oblique head begin. Hye notably envisioned himself dominating the exercise earlier than it even started.
Hye defined, “I simply knew that I used to be actually good with pullups.”
Genetics Plus Technique Equals Victory
Hye isn’t any stranger to coaching and even acknowledged he was considerably blessed genetically along with his pullup prowess. Nonetheless, he utilized the rule of doing the exercise in any mixture of his selection through the use of technique to take the general win within the problem.
“I believed ‘let me knock out as many pushups as I can, after which I’ll pump out the pullups.”
There’s an excellent likelihood that others within the PAC had the same plan, however Hye merely executed flawlessly. He acknowledged that he’s acquired further consideration across the Pentagon within the days following the video being posted.
“I’ve been referred to as the Pete and Bobby Problem man,” Hye famous. “I believe the individuals within the health club will give an additional head nod and fist pump.”
About Present Earlier than Go
Hye acknowledged that he was not at all times into health. The 31-year-old was into present choir when he was at school. His youthful self would’ve possible predicted that he’d have a profession in music.
“That was what I used to be into again in highschool. I used to be additionally actually concerned with church, singing in church.”
Regardless of his organic father, grandfather, and uncle all having served within the Marines earlier than him, Hye had no plans on serving himself. Nonetheless, he lastly joined after talking to a recruiter that got here to his job.
“They had been persistent,” Hye recalled. “It turned out to be the second-best resolution I ever made. The primary was my spouse.”
From the Pac To The Stage
Hye’s win within the Pete and Bobby Problem could have generated some momentum for him. Since then, he had prepped for and competed in a NPC bodybuilding present, which he additionally received his class in. He’s now making ready to compete on the NPC Nationals, the place he may probably earn his IFBB Professional League card as a Males’s Physique athlete.
Whether or not it’s onstage, out within the discipline, or sporting the nation’s fabric, Hye strives to not solely be a optimistic instance however to remain prepared and at all times give his finest. That can be what he says may also help any American fascinated with service, health, or every other endeavor they’re keen about.
“Going for it or giving it a attempt won’t set you again in life. There isn’t any draw back.”
Hye’s Ideas
Cardio is a Should
Clearly operating is required within the navy, however Hye discovered that being higher at cardio makes him a greater athlete. Every time doable, he focuses on an elliptical or different cardio machine so he can keep in form with out compromising his joints any greater than crucial.
“I wish to attempt to optimize my cardio however reduce the stress carried out to my physique.”
Prioritize the Weaknesses
Hye knew his benefits going into the Pete and Bobby Problem, which was the pullups and cardio. That was why he did pushups first. Saving the strengths for later helped him max out his sub-three-minute time. That principle might be utilized in all features of health when making a coaching plan.
Hye mentioned, “Should you’re attempting to get higher at pullups, do extra of them. If it’s pushups, begin with these.”
Keep Constant
Typically holding issues easy is de facto the simplest manner. Hye’s recommendation just isn’t sophisticated, however that can be why it is smart. Even one thing as fundamental as sustaining a daily coaching schedule and never lacking meals is one thing that Hye feels might be a giant distinction for any objective.
“Whether or not it’s powerlifting, bodybuilding, no matter, simply staying constant is the principle factor to do.”
To be taught extra in regards to the Marines, together with the best way to be a part of, go to the Marines web site.
For extra details about the Pete and Bobby Problem, click on right here.
M&F Senior Navy Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
