In August 2025, United States Well being and Human Providers Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of Battle Pete Hegseth introduced the creation of what they known as the Pete and Bobby Problem. The problem known as for Individuals to carry out 50 pullups and 100 pushups in any order of desire in 10 minutes or much less.
Hegseth expressed that the aim was for army members to indicate simply how match they really are.
“We would like recruits which can be able to go; which can be challenged,” Hegseth mentioned. He and Kennedy have been within the Pentagon Athletic Middle together with a number of servicemembers throughout a number of army branches to push themselves and see who may submit 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-about an elite time. Nonetheless, everybody within the room was shocked 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 contributors. 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 have been there, Hye mentioned the target was clear.
“We wished to demolish everyone,” he said with emphasis.
Hye and the opposite Marines heard the small print of the exercise and instantly knew they might be better off. That’s as a result of pullups are part of their common health take a look at, that means they went into the Pete and Bobby Problem with an oblique head begin. Hye significantly 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 together with his pullup prowess. Nonetheless, he utilized the rule of doing the exercise in any mixture of his alternative by utilizing technique to take the general win within the problem.
“I assumed ‘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 obtained further consideration across the Pentagon within the days following the video being posted.
“I’ve been known as the Pete and Bobby Problem man,” Hye famous. “I believe the folks within the fitness center 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 doubtless 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 chatting with a recruiter that got here to his job.
“They have 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 might 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 area, or sporting the nation’s fabric, Hye strives to not solely be a constructive instance however to remain prepared and at all times give his greatest. That can also be what he says might help any American concerned about service, health, or some other endeavor they’re keen about.
“Going for it or giving it a attempt is not going to set you again in life. There is no such thing as a draw back.”
Hye’s Ideas
Cardio is a Should
Clearly operating is required within the army, however Hye discovered that being higher at cardio makes him a greater athlete. Each time attainable, he focuses on an elliptical or different cardio machine so he can keep in form with out compromising his joints any greater than vital.
“I wish to attempt to optimize my cardio however decrease 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 may very well be utilized in all facets of health when making a coaching plan.
Hye mentioned, “In case you’re making an attempt to get higher at pullups, do extra of them. If it’s pushups, begin with these.”
Keep Constant
Generally preserving issues easy is basically the best means. Hye’s recommendation just isn’t difficult, however that can also be why it is sensible. Even one thing as fundamental as sustaining a daily coaching schedule and never lacking meals is one thing that Hye feels may very well be a giant distinction for any aim.
“Whether or not it’s powerlifting, bodybuilding, no matter, simply staying constant is the primary factor to do.”
To be taught extra in regards to the Marines, together with how you can 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.
