A Special Forces agent in Germany has captured the attention of social media users after appearing in a widely shared image alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during an early morning workout. The unnamed agent was seen jogging with Hegseth in Stuttgart, where the defense secretary was visiting U.S. military command centers as part of a broader European trip.
Hegseth, 44, posted several images from the workout session on X, including a picture of himself lifting weights and another posing with Special Forces agents. However, it was the unidentified service member jogging beside him who sparked an online reaction. The agent, displaying a muscular build and a broad smile, quickly became a talking point.
It’s important to get that guy out and exercise him every day to prevent losing him to colic. Whatever his vet bill is, it’s worth it. https://t.co/JXn5nWKlZt
— Oilfield Rando (@Oilfield_Rando) February 11, 2025
Social media users flooded X with comments reacting to the image, with some referring to the agent as a “real-life Hulk” and others suggesting he should be the face of military recruitment campaigns. “More men like this!!!!!” one person wrote, while another commented, “Dude needs to be in all recruitment material moving forward.”
DailyMail.com reached out to the Department of Defense for clarification regarding the agent’s role and identity, but no official response has been provided.
Hegseth’s visit to Germany includes stops at U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters, where he is meeting with military leaders and service members. According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Poland, the trip is focused on strengthening alliances, increasing defense readiness, and reinforcing the administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong and capable military.
Lloyd Austin wore five face masks and skipped out on his job without telling anyone.
Pete Hegseth works out with the men he’s tasked with leading. pic.twitter.com/hSpTQa4ZW4
— Media Research Center (@theMRC) February 11, 2025
During a town hall at the Pentagon on Friday, Hegseth addressed the military’s focus under President Donald Trump’s administration. He emphasized the importance of merit and unity within the armed forces and criticized diversity-focused recruitment efforts. “I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is ‘Our Diversity is Our Strength,’” Hegseth said. “Our strength is our unity, our strength is our shared purpose… in this department, we will treat everyone equally. We will judge you as an individual by your merit and by your commitment to the team and the mission.”
His remarks followed reports that an active-duty Army general criticized recent changes to diversity hiring targets, particularly the decision to withdraw from a prestigious event for Black engineers. In an interview with Military.com, the anonymous general described the move as “f***ing racist.”
Later in the day, Hegseth confirmed to reporters that the Trump administration would not deploy U.S. troops to Ukraine amid Russia’s continued invasion. He reiterated the administration’s stance that European nations should bear a larger share of defense spending. “The European continent deserves to be free from any aggression, but it ought to be those in the neighborhood investing the most in that individual and collective defense,” Hegseth stated.
While en route to Germany, Hegseth also signed a memorandum restoring the original name of Fort Bragg in North Carolina, reversing a 2023 decision that renamed the base Fort Liberty. The new name will honor World War II fighter Ronald L. Bragg, a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient.
The renaming comes after a broader effort under the previous administration to remove Confederate names from military bases. The original Fort Bragg, established in 1918, was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. Historians have widely criticized Bragg for his role in the Civil War, citing his military failures as a key factor in the Confederacy’s defeat.
President Trump had long opposed the renaming of military installations, arguing that the bases were part of America’s historical and military legacy. In June 2020, he stated, “These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom.”
The restoration of the Bragg name fulfills a campaign promise Trump made during a visit to North Carolina in October. A Pentagon spokesperson described Ronald L. Bragg as a soldier whose valor in battle was well-documented, noting that the new naming would preserve the historical significance while honoring a distinguished American hero.
As Hegseth continues his European visit, his focus remains on bolstering alliances, reinforcing military readiness, and ensuring that the armed forces operate with a merit-based approach. Whether the viral attention surrounding his Special Forces workout partner leads to further recruitment efforts remains to be seen.
