Female Veterans Stand United Against Military Gender Standards Revisions

Wed Oct 22 2025 18:35:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to recent comments from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, female veterans assert that military combat requirements have always been consistent, rejecting notions of lowered standards for women.

Following Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's assertion that combat role standards would revert to 'the highest male standard,' female veterans are voicing their concerns. They argue that battle requirements have always been the same for men and women. Prominent veterans like Elisa Cardnell and Amy McGarth emphasize the importance of uniform standards, stating that combat roles have never differentiated based on gender. Amidst Hegseth's controversial statements, the discourse sheds light on the evolving role of women in the military and the push against discriminatory practices.

Women who served in the US military are pushing back against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that the requirements for combat roles will 'return to the highest male standard', stating that the standards have always been the same for men and women.

Elisa Cardnell, a US Navy veteran, commented, 'None of us have ever asked for special treatment.' Hegseth, addressing hundreds of generals, claimed that the military had previously lowered standards to accommodate women, endangering service members. He expressed his intent to adjust the requirements to a higher level, stating, 'If it means no women qualify for combat jobs, then so be it.'

Hegseth reiterated that women would not be excluded from the armed forces but affirmed his plans to send directives that enforce the 'male standard.' This has sparked outrage among female veterans, including former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGarth, who argued that combat standards have always been uniform, regardless of gender. 'There was never a man’s standard or a woman’s standard for flying a jet,' she asserted.

Cardnell added that combat standards are set based on the unit, but everyone is required to meet the same assessments. 'These standards have always been gender neutral... Not all women will qualify, just as some men won’t,' she explained. While annual assessments have different scores based on gender and age, combat requirements are clear-cut.

Amid growing concerns about shifts in military culture, female veterans stress the importance of maintaining equal standards that allow women to advance in their careers.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran, criticized Hegseth for his remarks, suggesting they could harm recruitment efforts by creating a culture that undermines women in the military.

While some female service members, like Republican House Representative Sheri Biggs, support Hegseth’s focus on excellence and accountability, the majority of veterans express fear that his changes will revert progress in diversity and equality within military ranks.