Highlights
- Canada’s Gen. Jennie Carignan defended women’s roles in combat at the Halifax International Security Forum.
- U.S. Senator Jim Risch questioned whether women should serve in combat roles, sparking backlash.
- Carignan emphasized that women have contributed to combat for centuries, not as a “social experiment.”
- The debate reignited amid U.S. defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s controversial stance on gender integration.
- Carignan’s speech earned a standing ovation, reinforcing the need for gender equality in the military.
Halifax, Canada – In a resounding defense of women’s roles in combat, Gen. Jennie Carignan, Canada’s chief of defence staff and the first woman to hold the position, pushed back against comments made by U.S. Senator Jim Risch.
The Idaho Republican questioned the effectiveness of women in combat roles during the Halifax International Security Forum, sparking a heated discussion on gender and military service.
Carignan, a seasoned combat arms officer with 39 years of service, stood firm during her Saturday panel appearance, stating that women have been integral to military operations for centuries.
“After nearly four decades risking my life in operations worldwide, I can’t believe that, in 2024, we’re still debating whether women belong in combat,” Carignan declared, earning a standing ovation from attendees.
Senator’s Remarks Spark Outrage
Senator Risch, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee, reignited a long-settled debate during a Friday panel at the forum. He suggested that integrating women into combat roles presents challenges that remain unresolved.
“I think it’s delusional to deny that women in combat creates unique situations. The jury is still out on how to handle that,” Risch said.
The comments drew sharp criticism from Carignan, who was adamant that such outdated views misrepresent the contributions of women in military service.
“I wouldn’t want anyone to leave this forum thinking that women are a distraction to national security,” she said.
Women’s Contributions Aren’t New
Carignan reminded the audience that women have fought in wars for centuries, often without recognition. “This is not some kind of social experiment,” she highlighted.
“Women have been stepping into harm’s way, defending their countries, and excelling in combat roles long before policies formally acknowledged their service.”
The general’s words resonated with the crowd of military and political leaders, prompting applause and praise. “All the women in uniform here today represent the dedication and sacrifice needed in national defense,” she added.
Renewed Debate on Gender in Combat
The controversy over women in combat has resurfaced due to President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News commentator, has repeatedly argued against men and women serving together in combat units.
If confirmed, Hegseth could seek to roll back the Pentagon’s policy of allowing women to occupy all combat positions, a decision implemented nearly a decade ago.
Hegseth’s views mirror those of other skeptics, who claim that gender integration in combat units undermines effectiveness.
However, advocates like Carignan argue the opposite, highlighting studies and real-world examples that demonstrate how mixed-gender teams perform successfully in high-pressure environments.
A Lifetime of Breaking Barriers
Gen. Jennie Carignan’s career itself is a testament to the success of women in combat. She has led troops in high-stakes deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria.
Before becoming the chief of defence staff, Carignan was the first woman to command a combat unit in the Canadian military.
Her appointment this year as Canada’s top military commander marked another milestone, as she became the first woman to lead the armed forces of any Group of Seven (G7) or Group of 20 (G20) country.
She also previously served as the chief of professional conduct and culture, a role created in response to a sexual misconduct scandal within the Canadian Armed Forces.
Speaking about her journey, Carignan expressed pride in the strides made by women in military leadership but acknowledged the persistence of outdated attitudes. “Women in the armed forces have proven their capability time and again. We don’t need to keep justifying our place.”
Canada’s Defense Challenges
Carignan’s strong stance comes as Canada faces scrutiny from NATO allies for its defense spending.
The country currently allocates less than the alliance’s recommended two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to military expenditures, a point Senator Risch also criticized during the forum.
Despite these challenges, Carignan’s leadership is seen as a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and modernization within Canada’s armed forces.
Standing Ovation for Gender Equality
As Carignan concluded her remarks, she called for continued recognition of women’s contributions to global security. “All women who serve, whether in combat or support roles, should be valued for their courage and dedication,” she said.
Her powerful words underscored a larger message: the role of women in the military is not up for debate. In the face of skepticism, leaders like Carignan are proving that inclusion strengthens, rather than weakens, national security.
