Mark Milley Defends Women in Combat After Comments by Trump’s Defense Pick

The former Joint Chiefs chairman rebuked Pete Hegseth's remarks opposing women in combat, emphasizing a standards-based military approach.

Retired Gen. Mark Milley criticized Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth's stance that women should not serve in combat roles, calling it unfounded and outdated.
Milley emphasized that military service should be determined by meeting readiness and merit-based standards, regardless of gender or background.
Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Trump, argued that women in combat roles have not improved military effectiveness and complicate operations, though he later clarified his remarks to exclude certain roles like pilots.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a combat veteran who lost her legs in Iraq, strongly opposed Hegseth’s comments, highlighting the critical contributions of women in the military.
The controversy comes as Hegseth, a former Fox News host and National Guard veteran, faces scrutiny over his qualifications and past allegations as he prepares for Senate confirmation hearings.