The debate over women’s roles in the military took center stage recently, as military leaders, both past and present, defended the inclusion of women in combat roles amid rising concerns following controversial statements by President-elect Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary.
Former Defense Secretary William Cohen, who served during the Clinton administration, has voiced strong support for women’s central roles within the military. He emphasized their importance not merely as contributors but as integral to the nation’s defense. "Women in combat today, they are vitally important to our defense," Cohen stated during an interview with CNN’s Jim Sciutto. He pointed out how women have excelled as pilots and sailors, actively engaging in various military operations and conflicts.
This defense of female service members became increasingly pertinent as Pete Hegseth, the suggested Defense Secretary pick, expressed opinions on potentially limiting women’s roles, igniting fears of reversals on progress made over the last several decades. Cohen suggested Hegseth could face significant opposition during his Senate confirmation hearings due to these remarks, particularly since the acceptance of women serving equally alongside their male counterparts has been hard-fought since policies changed to allow their inclusion.
During the Halifax International Security Forum, Canadian military leader Gen. Jennie Carignan received acclaim for advocating women’s participation on the front lines, calling for more recognition of their contributions to military operations. Carignan stated, "After 39 years as a combat arms officer and risking my life across the world, I can’t believe we still have to justify women’s contributions to defense and service." Her comments earned her a standing ovation from the audience.
The pushback against Hegseth’s comments also stems from broader fears about their impact on recruitment. Currently, women make up approximately 18% of the military, and any steps backward could hinder recruitment efforts even more than they already are. Senator Jeanne Shaheen emphasized this, pointing out, "If women think they can’t participate fully and take on combat roles, it’s going to affect women’s willingness to join our military.”
Canada’s response reflects similar sentiments echoed by NATO allies, who reacted swiftly to Hegseth’s statements. The chair of NATO’s Military Committee, Royal Netherlands Navy Adm. Rob Bauer, voiced frustration over the need to revisit debates on women’s inclusion. "If we are not willing to use half the population on something so important, then we are stupid," he articulated, reflecting the consensus among military officials present.
Hegseth’s remarks were made during a podcast, where he conveyed explicit opposition to women serving on the front lines, raising concerns about what this might mean for existing policies. That same podcast drew attention to troubling past allegations against Hegseth, including accusations of sexual assault, which compounds hesitance around his confirmation and heightens the stakes around the discussion of women’s roles.
The backdrop of this debate is built upon significant progress made since 2015 when former Defense Secretary Ashton Carter opened all U.S. military jobs to women. Critics of Hegseth are wary of his statements threatening to unravel these advances, as he stands poised to take over leadership at the Defense Department.
This issue is particularly pressing for female service members already struggling with representation and recognition, as many have fought on the front lines for years without full acknowledgment of their contributions. Women’s service has frequently been overlooked, originating as far back as history records military conflicts.
Beyond military policy, the inclusion of women also carries broader societal significance—serving as indicators of gender equality progression within the armed forces and society at large. Female soldiers represent resilience and commitment and their roles should be recognized and valued.
