Conservatives have praised Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth's traditional stance against the military draft and women in combat, calling it a welcome reversal from recent leftward moves. President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth to lead the Pentagon, saying the veteran would help return the military to “meritocracy, lethality, accountability and excellence.” Hegseth is an author, a Fox News contributor, and leads two veteran advocacy groups.
But Hegseth's views on women in combat have sparked backlash from some quarters.
“I want to be very frank and say that women should not be put in combat roles,” Hegseth said recently on Sean Ryan's podcast. “It hasn't made us more efficient. It hasn't made us more lethal.” [and] The battle has become more complicated. ”
He said the problem is rooted in biological differences between men and women.
“We've all served with women, and they're amazing,” Hegseth said. “In places throughout human history where men in those positions are more capable, our institutions just don't need to encourage it.”
The Obama administration lifted the ban on female combatants.
Meanwhile, Hegseth also said he opposes requiring women to register for the draft.
“This is the logical conclusion of the left's perspective,” he said. said “If we're going to open up every combat role to women, how can we say the Selective Service isn't open to our daughters as well?”
He said requiring women to register for Selective Service once they turn 18 is a “bad idea.”
“I don't think it improves our fighting ability. This administration has been focused on social engineering and social justice from the beginning,” he said at the Obama White House in 2016.
According to , Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) defended Hegseth. washington times.
“Everyone involved in the military has a role and a mission,” Zinke told CNN. “But there are differences between men and women when it comes to physical endurance. And let's call it what it is.”
Trump veteran Jesse Jane Duff also defended Hegseth. write“Pete Hegseth knows the reality. The Marine Corps conducted a nine-month study showing that it was a fatal mistake for women to participate in ground combat. President Obama completely scrapped that study.” did.”
agree. Pete Hegseth knows the reality. A nine-month study by the Marine Corps showed that allowing women to participate in ground combat is a fatal mistake. President Obama completely scrapped this study. https://t.co/Ye9mxUpX28
— Gunnery Sergeant Jesse Jane Duff (@JessieJaneDuff) November 13, 2024
This year, Democrats and Republicans in Congress supported legislation that would require women to register for the Selective Service. military readiness center He has helped lead the fight against such laws.
“Women have served in many non-traditional MOSs. [Military Occupational Specialties]”However, the physical differences between men and women that are critical in combat remain the same,” the Military Readiness Center said.
The organization further notes that “while some exceptional women may be able to meet minimum standards, most men can meet combat weapons standards, and most women cannot.” “Extensive research has shown that there is no basis for requiring all draft-age women to register.”
Photo courtesy: ©Facebook/pete hegseth
michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
