The Pentagon is reportedly trying to fill seats at the upcoming White House UFC fight by asking troops to show up, according to reporting by the Washington Post.
The UFC fight on the South Lawn is supposed to be a centerpiece of Trump's upcoming 80th birthday-slash-Flag Day celebration on June 14. MAGA-friendly podcaster and former UFC commentator Joe Rogan notably bashed the idea because of D.C.'s summer heat and bugs.
Now, the Pentagon wants to recruit "hundreds of troops" to attend the embattled event as spectators, but it won't even cover the costs of travel, according to WaPo.
Based on internal memos and insider sources, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is "requiring those who attend to pay for their travel and meet height and weight requirements" and has already "solicited volunteers across the services."
Military officials are looking for junior enlisted personnel and junior officers, in particular, according to internal memos acquired by WaPo, which noted, "junior troops make up the military's lowest pay grades."
A social media page also called on troops to take part, telling them, "tickets must be distributed to genuine UFC fans, not solely to high-ranking DVs," or distinguished visitors.