Canada’s First Female Defense Chief Rebukes U.S. Senator’s Comments on Women in Combat

Gen. Jennie Carignan, Canada's top military officer, vigorously defended women in combat roles on Saturday. This highlights Carignan’s response to statements by U.S. Senator Jim Risch that questioned their appropriateness for frontline service.

Carignan replied to Risch's comments that "the jury's still out" on integrating women into combat troops, calling the notion antiquated and demeaning of women's contributions to national defense.

"After 39 years as a combat officer and risking my life in operations around the world, it's difficult to believe that in 2024, we still question the value of women in defense," said Carignan. She is the first woman to lead Canada's armed forces and the first female defense chief among G20 nations.

Carignan stressed that women have been serving and sacrificing in combat for generations, frequently going unnoticed. "The distraction is not women themselves, but the persistent questioning of their ability to serve," she stated, to a standing ovation from the audience.

Her views come amid renewed arguments generated by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, who has spoken out against mixed-gender combat groups. If confirmed, Hegseth could seek to overturn policies that enable women to serve in all combat capacities.

Carignan's career has been replete with firsts, including commanding a combat unit and managing professional behavior reforms in the Canadian military. Her leadership demonstrates women's expanding roles in defense as she continues to strive for equality and recognition on a global scale.

‍