**NATO Allies Protest Against Potential Rollback on Women in Combat Roles**

NATO allies expressed strong dissatisfaction over recent discussions in Washington about the appropriateness of women serving in frontline combat roles. This controversy was ignited after Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and Army National Guard veteran, openly opposed women in combat during a podcast. Hegseth’s views, combined with his nomination as defense secretary by President-elect Donald Trump, have stirred concerns among Defense Department officials about potential setbacks in military gender integration.

Canadian military chief Gen. Jennie Carignan voiced her frustration at the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday, reflecting a common sentiment among the attendees. Highlighting her nearly four-decade-long career in combat roles, Carignan expressed disbelief that the contributions of women in the military were still under scrutiny in 2024. Her remarks garnered a standing ovation from an audience composed of defense and national security officials.

Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, who is expected to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, contributed to the debate by acknowledging the unique challenges women in combat roles might present. However, he suggested the issue still requires careful consideration and deliberation. This stance, however, was met with straightforward criticism from other military officials, including Royal Netherlands Navy Adm. Rob Bauer. He labeled the exclusion of women from combat roles as "stupid," given the importance of utilizing the entire population for such critical tasks.

The Obama administration had landmarked a significant policy change in 2015 when then-Defense Secretary Ashton Carter opened all military positions to women. The potential confirmation of Hegseth as defense secretary has fueled concerns that this progress could be undone, with adverse effects on efforts to eliminate sexual abuse within the military—issues that reportedly worsened during the first Trump administration.

Carignan and retired Army Gen. Mark Milley emphasized that women have long contributed to combat efforts, often without recognition. Carignan pointed out the historical trend of demobilizing and forgetting women’s wartime contributions, undermining their service and commitment.

Practical considerations were also highlighted, noting that reassigning women out of combat roles would create significant logistical challenges. Such a move would leave numerous positions vacant and disrupt career trajectories for female soldiers. This upheaval would also impose financial burdens due to relocation costs and career transitions.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, poised to become the next ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the crucial role of women in meeting the military's recruitment needs. She warned that limiting women's participation in combat roles could deter potential recruits and exacerbate the already pressing recruitment shortfalls.

The potential policy reversal has stirred up a significant debate within NATO and the broader defense community, highlighting the complex implications of gender roles in modern military forces.