"I'm straight up just saying that we should not have women in combat roles," Pete Hegseth said on a podcast early this month, just days before President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the crucial Cabinet post. "It hasn't made us more effective, hasn't made us more lethal, has made fighting more complicated." This reflects a strong opposition to the integration of women in combat, suggesting a belief that it detracts from military efficacy.
Veterans who served in combat roles see their contributions as essential. One Army veteran stated that Hegseth's views are outdated and do not accurately reflect the complex realities of modern military operations. Women have successfully engaged in combat, demonstrating capability and effectiveness that contradicts his claims.
Riane Donoho, a former Marine, explained that within the community there are mixed opinions regarding women in combat roles. She values the diversity of opinions and believes that personal experiences shape how individuals view the situation: 'And I think that that's okay. I mean, I want people to have their own opinions, and all these women have their own personal experiences.'
Many female veterans express that their ability to serve in combat has led to important operational success. They argue that Hegseth's negative stance overlooks the contributions of those who have served in combat positions and fails to acknowledge their roles in gathering intelligence and achieving critical mission objectives.
Collection
[
|
...
]