Female veterans and service members have expressed outrage over remarks made by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, regarding women’s ability to fight on the front lines. Hegseth stated that women should not be in combat roles and that men in those positions are more capable, claiming that having women in combat has not made the military more effective or lethal. He also suggested that women should serve as medics or helicopter pilots instead. These comments have sparked backlash from female service members, with one Army colonel speaking out against the suggestion that women should not be involved in combat.
The Pentagon opened all combat roles to women in 2016 to reflect changing attitudes towards gender barriers in the military. This policy shift allowed women to serve in positions that were previously only available to men, such as special operations units and infantry roles. Despite this progress, Hegseth’s comments have cast doubt on the future of women in combat roles, threatening recruitment and retention efforts. Women currently make up more than 17% of the military’s active duty force, and their contributions have been significant during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over 300,000 women served tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many demonstrating competence and heroism in combat situations. Hundreds of women were recognized for their engagement with the enemy, with some receiving prestigious military awards such as the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for their bravery. Female veterans have emphasized that women have been serving in combat for years and have proven themselves to be as capable as their male counterparts in challenging situations.
Iraq War veteran Allison Jaslow highlighted the strength and toughness of women in the military, pointing to their successful completion of the Army’s Ranger School. She emphasized the need for a secretary of defense who recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of women in combat. While President-elect Trump described Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” concerns have been raised about his views on women in combat roles. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard infantry officer, has faced scrutiny over allegations of sexual assault, though he has denied these accusations.
Female veterans and lawmakers like Sen. Tammy Duckworth have criticized Hegseth’s remarks, calling them dangerous and out of touch with the reality of modern warfare. Duckworth, a Purple Heart recipient, highlighted her own combat experience in Iraq and emphasized the importance of setting high standards for men and women in combat roles, rather than implementing a blanket ban on women in combat. Retired Army Lt. Col. Raquel Durden echoed this sentiment, stating that women are already serving in combat roles and should be held to the same standards as men. Hegseth’s controversial comments have sparked a debate over the future of women in combat positions within the U.S. military.
