Navy Promotion Controversy

Defense Secretary Hegseth Intervenes in Navy Promotions, Cutting Nine Officers Including All Women

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened to remove nine Navy officers—including all women—from a promotion list for captain-to-one-star admiralships, resulting in no women being promoted to the rank this year. The Navy initially had selected 31 candidates through a standard board process, but Pentagon officials have not explained why these specific individuals were cut. Female officers interviewed said the abrupt change signals a possible “ceiling” on their careers, with some fearing retaliation and worrying that promotions could become politicized. Several also questioned whether the outcome was intentional and said it left them feeling less valued. Critics note the intervention departs from the usual transparent promotion tradition where boards evaluate performance and competence. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell insisted promotions are based on merit and that neither race nor gender factors into advancement, even as the Pentagon has declined to provide a detailed rationale for the removals.

Key Points

Topics