What was the Pentagon's reason for terminating the advisory group on women in the military?

The Pentagon, specifically Secretary Pete Hegseth, terminated the advisory group citing a 'divisive feminist agenda' within the committee that was believed to hurt combat readiness.

What is the history and role of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS)?

DACOWITS was established in 1951 to help recruit and address the needs of women in the military. Over nearly 75 years, it has worked on issues like lifting bans on women in combat, improving gear and policies for women personnel, and its recommendations have been largely adopted by the Department of Defense and Congress.

How has Congress and military leadership reacted to attempts to disband this advisory group in the past?

There has been bipartisan support in Congress to retain DACOWITS, with female veterans and several lawmakers urging the Pentagon to keep it, citing its important role for women's military issues. This included a letter signed by female veterans in Congress advocating retention.

Was there any recent reversal or prior decision to keep or revive the women's advisory group before its termination?

Yes, earlier in the same month, Secretary Hegseth had signed a memo to reinstate DACOWITS along with other advisory boards after a pause. This recent termination came shortly after that decision.

What impact might disbanding DACOWITS have on women in the military according to critics?

Critics argue that disbanding DACOWITS could hinder the collection of data and development of policies to improve conditions, recruitment, and retention of women service members, potentially exacerbating challenges they face.

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Pentagon Terminates Advisory Group on Women in Military Citing 'Divisive Feminist Agenda'

Secretary Hegseth terminated the Pentagon's advisory group on women in the military, citing a 'divisive feminist agenda' that reportedly impacted combat readiness.

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Hegseth dissolves women’s military committee over ‘divisive feminist agenda’

The Guardian

Hegseth terminates women’s advisory group, slams ‘divisive agenda’

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Secretary Hegseth terminated the Pentagon's involvement in an advisory group dedicated to women in the military.
The decision to dissolve the committee was explicitly attributed to a 'divisive feminist agenda' within its operations.
Concerns were raised that this perceived agenda was negatively impacting the overall combat readiness of the military.
The advisory group, which focused on issues concerning women in service, has now been officially disbanded by the Pentagon.
This termination signifies a direct response to ideological influences deemed detrimental to military objectives and effectiveness.

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Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting the Pentagon's "divisive agenda" claim while immediately providing extensive details about the committee's actual work and successful history. This juxtaposition implicitly questions the justification for termination, emphasizing the committee's focus on practical issues like women's health and integration rather than a "divisive feminist agenda."

"The Committee is focused on advancing a divisive feminist agenda that hurts combat readiness, while Secretary Hegseth has focused on advancing uniform, sex-neutral standards across the Department."

Military Times

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Hegseth terminates women’s advisory group, slams ‘divisive agenda’

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: The Pentagon, specifically Secretary Pete Hegseth, terminated the advisory group citing a 'divisive feminist agenda' within the committee that was believed to hurt combat readiness.
Marine Corps Times
: DACOWITS was established in 1951 to help recruit and address the needs of women in the military. Over nearly 75 years, it has worked on issues like lifting bans on women in combat, improving gear and policies for women personnel, and its recommendations have been largely adopted by the Department of Defense and Congress.
19th News
: There has been bipartisan support in Congress to retain DACOWITS, with female veterans and several lawmakers urging the Pentagon to keep it, citing its important role for women's military issues. This included a letter signed by female veterans in Congress advocating retention.
19th News
: Yes, earlier in the same month, Secretary Hegseth had signed a memo to reinstate DACOWITS along with other advisory boards after a pause. This recent termination came shortly after that decision.
Marine Corps Times
: Critics argue that disbanding DACOWITS could hinder the collection of data and development of policies to improve conditions, recruitment, and retention of women service members, potentially exacerbating challenges they face.
Office of Representative Chrissy Houlahan

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