Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to disband the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (Dacowits), claiming that the 74-year-old group promotes a “divisive feminist agenda.” This announcement came from the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Hegseth expressed concern that the committee’s focus harms military readiness, stating it was time to close down Dacowits. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson also commented on the matter, confirming the decision.
This move follows a review initiated by Hegseth in March, which led to a suspension of all operations within the panel and a complete overhaul of its membership. The review, completed in May, recommended terminating 14 different advisory committees, including Dacowits, sparking criticism from Democrats.
Dacowits, established in 1951, aims to enhance military readiness by addressing overlooked issues through quarterly meetings. Topics discussed include inadequate body armor and support for parenting among military personnel.
The committee is composed of civilian appointments made by the Secretary of Defense, meant to advise on policies related to the recruitment, retention, and treatment of women in the military. Supporters of Dacowits argue it’s not just a political tool but an essential resource.
In a letter dated May 13, Senators Tammy Duckworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, and others expressed concern that dismantling Dacowits would hinder efforts to collect data aimed at improving conditions for women and addressing barriers to their recruitment and retention.
Interestingly, the committee was previously saved from closure after a bipartisan group of congressional women pressed former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to keep it intact during an earlier review. Austin’s focus was on evaluating the committee’s contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which contrasts sharply with Hegseth’s current stance against similar initiatives within the military.
