WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed nine Navy officers, including all women, from a promotion list, leading several female officers to express concerns about their career prospects. The Navy had initially selected 31 sailors for promotion from captain to one-star admiral, but Hegseth's intervention resulted in no women being promoted this year, despite women comprising about 25% of Navy officers and nearly 33% of midgrade ranks, according to 2024 military data.
Eight female Navy officers, who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retribution, indicated that they perceive this action as a potential limit on their career advancement. They expressed feelings of being undervalued within the military and questioned the implications for future generations of female leaders.
The Pentagon has not provided a rationale for the removal of the officers from the promotion list. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's top spokesman, stated that promotions are based on merit and that factors such as race and gender are not considered. The Navy's promotion process has typically been transparent, involving a board that evaluates the records of eligible officers.
The initial promotion list was approved by then-Navy Secretary John Phelan, who directed the board to recommend the best-qualified officers. Hegseth's decision to intervene is seen as a departure from tradition, raising concerns among military analysts about the implications for the promotion process moving forward. Some senior Navy officers have voiced worries about the message this sends to younger sailors.