Summary
Female veterans in the U.S. military are responding to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive that combat role requirements should revert to "the highest male standard." They argue that the standards have always been gender-neutral and consistent for both men and women. The veterans believe that the current discussion misrepresents existing military standards.
Key Facts
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to return combat role standards to "the highest male standard."
- Female veterans assert that military standards for combat roles have always been the same for both men and women.
- Hegseth's directive suggests that the military had lowered standards in the past to include women.
- Women serving in different branches, such as infantry or special operations, are required to pass the same tests, which are gender-neutral.
- Hegseth previously faced scrutiny over his views on women and diversity in the military, narrowly getting Senate approval.
- Senator Tammy Duckworth, a military veteran, criticized Hegseth's comments as potentially harmful to recruitment.
- The Pentagon has been asked for clarification on how Hegseth's plans will be implemented.
