Defense Secretary Hegseth’s ‘Male Standard’ Directive Ignites Fierce Debate on Women in Combat
Defense Secretary Hegseth’s ‘Male Standard’ Directive Ignites Fierce Debate on Women in Combat
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ignited a firestorm of criticism following his recent address to military leaders, where he announced new directives to enforce the “highest male standard” for all combat positions. Speaking at a hastily called gathering in Virginia, Hegseth declared that if these rigorous standards mean “no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it,” while reiterating the military’s commitment to welcoming women into its ranks.
The Secretary articulated his stance, stating, “I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape, or in combat units with females who can’t meet the same combat arms physical standards as men.” He emphasized the life-and-death nature of military service, insisting that “standards must be met.” These remarks have rekindled concerns about his approach to women in leadership and front-line roles, a topic that previously surfaced during his confirmation process earlier this year.
Immediately, prominent female combat veterans pushed back vigorously, asserting that women in combat roles already adhere to the same stringent standards as their male counterparts. Elisa Cardnell, president of the Service Women’s Action Network, confirmed that requirements for positions like infantry are identical for men and women, covering physical demands such as equipment weight and marching distance. Capt. Lory Manning, a retired Navy officer, dismissed Hegseth’s comments as conflating physical requirements with specific military roles, stating, “He’s just got it in his head that women are somehow cheating.” Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Amy McGrath further clarified on X (formerly Twitter), “there has never been a separate male and female standard. When women entered combat roles, one standard was set, and we’ve been meeting it ever since.”
The directive has also drawn sharp political lines. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic nominee for New Jersey governor and former Navy helicopter pilot, criticized Hegseth, calling him “the most incompetent secretary of defense we’ve ever had” and questioning the purpose of his address.
Conversely, several Republican women expressed support for Hegseth’s stance. Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iraq War combat veteran, deemed his comments “appropriate,” though she acknowledged that women in demanding roles like Ranger School already meet the same standards. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs, a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, both praised Hegseth’s commitment to eliminating “woke” policies and prioritizing “mission-first readiness” over what they described as “Left-Wing gender bending ideology” in the military.
Hegseth’s address also focused broadly on eradicating “woke” policies from the military, advocating for promotions based solely on qualifications rather than race, gender quotas, or “historic firsts.” He issued a clear message that any leader disagreeing with his approach should resign, asserting that “Returning to standards that prioritize excellence and accountability puts America’s security and our servicemembers where they belong — first.”
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.