The Wall Street Journal on 2/6, citing current and former US military officials, revealed that the Pentagon's announced list of air force brigadier general nominees included only 17 out of 26 officers proposed by the review board.

This list featured only one woman and no officers of color. Sources added that the officers excluded from the list had either participated in or were associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the US military.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also reportedly intervened in the promotion lists for navy and army officers. Military officials stated that Hegseth blocked the promotion of eight navy captains to rear admiral, including two women and two people of color.

Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon on 2/3. Photo: AP

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell denied accusations of discrimination, asserting that the military promotion process "is entirely merit-based". He emphasized that race or gender are never considered in promotion decisions.

Secretary Hegseth previously vowed to remove generals he deemed to possess "woke ideology", claiming they were promoted by the administration of former President Joe Biden to fulfill left-wing policies rather than ensure military capability.

"Woke" is a term referring to heightened awareness of societal biases such as racism, sexism, or discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

President Donald Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly argued that the US Department of Defense previously indulged in "woke ideology", over-focusing on DEI programs. Conservatives view DEI as a left-wing ideology with inappropriate content regarding race, gender, or politics.

Hegseth has dismissed over 20 generals and admirals since taking office. Among them are former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr., the second person of color in US history to hold this position, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first female navy commander of the US.

At least 24 air force brigadier generals also faced delayed promotions to major general while the Pentagon reviewed their connections to DEI programs.

One of those affected is Brigadier General Otis Jones, who currently serves as the air force's head of flight safety, a position typically held by a two-star officer. Brigadier General Kirsten Aguilar, commander of the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University, also had her promotion delayed and missed an opportunity to lead the Washington D.C. Air Force Command.

Some current and former US officials expressed doubts about whether Hegseth followed proper legal procedures. US law stipulates that only the President has the authority to remove an officer's name from a promotion list. The Secretary of Defense can recommend such an action but must submit a written proposal to the President.

Defense officials indicated that Secretary Hegseth's unusual intervention is creating apprehension and distrust among senior officers. Some Republican and Democratic lawmakers also complained that the Pentagon has not clearly explained the reasons for removing officers from promotion lists.

Representative Jack Reed, a Democratic member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, stated that nearly 60% of senior officers dismissed or removed by Hegseth are women or people of color, while this group accounts for less than 20% of US military generals.

Reed warned that this move could weaken the military's future leadership and lead many young officers to question their continued service.

Thanh Danh (According to ABC, WSJ, NYT)