War Secretary Pete Hegseth has advocated for the slashing of DEI initiatives in the military. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Committee members gather data through briefings, written responses, expert input, and direct interactions with service member focus groups during installation visits.
While 17.7% of U.S. military service members are women, the Department of War’s 2023 demographics report called for the Marine Corps to fully integrate recruit training at the platoon level and to use mixed-gender drill instructor teams.
The report also suggested adopting new gender and race-sensitive body composition standards, and reviewing the last 10 years of promotion data by gender and race.
The Department of War alleged the committee was "divisive." (Allison Robbert)
AIR FORCE TIGHTENS RULES ON TRANSGENDER AIRMEN; SUPPORTERS SAY IT PRIORITIZES READINESS: REPORT
The Bush administration in 2002 scaled back the DACOWITS, with officials more than two decades ago claiming the panel ran rampant and promoted gender quotas.
"Its agenda — which promotes gender quotas, women in combat roles, and gender-integrated basic training — weakens the basic purpose of the military: to fight and win wars," Nancy M. Pfotenhauer, then-president of the Independent Women's Forum, wrote in a 2002 statement.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Department of War did not immediately provide additional comment to Fox News Digital.
Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pete-hegseth-axes-defense-advisory-committee-women-services-citing-divisive-agenda