Overview

• Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the panel advanced a divisive feminist agenda that hurts combat readiness, as Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes uniform, sex-neutral standards.
• A Sept. 17 memo signed by Hegseth orders the formal disestablishment of DACOWITS and directs staff reassignments, contract closures and records archiving in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
• The termination reverses Hegseth’s Sept. 8 directive that had planned a phased return of the committee after a 2025 review paused operations and cleared membership across advisory bodies.
• Established in 1951, DACOWITS has submitted more than 1,100 recommendations with roughly 94% fully or partially adopted, shaping policies from equipment fit to opening combat roles to women.
• Democratic lawmakers and other supporters warn the shutdown will erode data and policy work on recruitment, retention and servicewomen’s health, potentially affecting force composition.