In a decisive and contentious move, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally terminated the Defence Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS), a Pentagon panel with a 75-year history of advising on policies affecting female personnel.
The announcement, made through an official memorandum dated September 20th, stated the committee's mission was now 'complete' and its objectives 'fulfilled'. Hegseth's memo concluded that the panel had 'achieved its purpose', a justification that has been met with sharp criticism.
Immediate Political Backlash
The decision has ignited a firestorm of protest from prominent Democratic figures. Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army veteran, condemned the move as 'dangerous and stupid', warning it disregards the ongoing challenges faced by women in uniform.
Representative Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, echoed these sentiments, accusing the administration of undermining the progress and well-being of servicewomen. The backlash underscores the deep political divisions surrounding social policy within the US military.
A Legacy of Advocacy Abruptly Ended
Established in 1951 by President Harry Truman, DACOWITS played a pivotal role in landmark changes for women in the US armed forces. Its legacy includes advising on the formal integration of women into military academies and supporting the reversal of policies that excluded women from certain combat roles.
The committee was composed of civilian experts and senior retired military officers who provided independent recommendations directly to the Defence Secretary on issues ranging from healthcare and recruitment to retention and prevention of sexual assault.
An Administration's Shifting Focus
Hegseth's action is seen by observers as aligning with the broader political agenda of the current administration, which has frequently criticised what it labels 'woke' policies within the Pentagon. The dissolution of DACOWITS signals a significant shift in priorities away from dedicated diversity and inclusion initiatives.
This move leaves a void in formal, high-level advocacy for servicewomen's issues within the Department of Defence, raising questions about how such concerns will be addressed in future policy-making.
