Canadian Military’s First Female Commander Responds to U.S. Senator’s Comments on Women in Combat

General Jennie Carignan, the first woman to lead Canada’s military, openly challenged U.S. Senator Jim Risch on Saturday regarding his views on the participation of women in combat roles. Risch, a Republican senator from Idaho and the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had previously stated that the integration of women in combat could lead to “unique situations” that remain unresolved.

During a panel at the Halifax International Security Forum, Risch commented on the potential retraction of remarks made by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defence secretary, who believes men and women should not serve together in combat units. Risch expressed that it is “delusional” to overlook the complexities introduced by women fighting alongside men in the military.

Carignan’s Stand for Women’s Contribution

In response to Risch’s statements, Carignan, who holds the position of Canada’s chief of defence staff and is recognized as the first female commander of the armed forces in any Group of 20 or Group of Seven country, passionately addressed the forum. “I would appreciate the opportunity to respond to Senator Risch’s comments regarding women in combat because I want to ensure that no one leaves here with the misconception that women are a distraction to national defence and security,” she asserted.

With 39 years of service as a combat arms officer, Carignan expressed disbelief that, in 2024, there is still a need to defend women’s invaluable contributions to their country’s defence, stating emphatically, “This is not some kind of social experiment.” She highlighted that women have been engaging in combat for centuries but often go unrecognized for their sacrifices. Carignan emphasized the presence of women in military uniforms at the event, stating, “The women here, who have made the choice to enter harm’s way for their country, deserve recognition.”

Carignan’s powerful words earned her a standing ovation at the forum, attended by defence and security officials from Western democracies, reigniting dialogue about the long-settled issue of women’s roles in combat.

Revisiting a Long-Settled Debate

Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator, has reignited controversy with his assertion that men and women should not serve together in combat. If confirmed by the Senate, he could potentially challenge the Pentagon’s longstanding policy that has opened all combat roles to women. His stance has sparked both support and criticism.

Carignan was appointed during a change-of-command ceremony this summer after being selected by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. Not only is she the first woman to oversee the Canadian military, but she also previously commanded a combat unit, making significant contributions in operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria.

For the last three years, she has held the position of chief of professional conduct and culture—a role established following a 2021 sexual misconduct scandal within the military. With Canada under scrutiny from NATO allies for not meeting the two per cent GDP defence spending target, Carignan’s leadership marks a vital moment as the nation aims to fulfill its NATO commitments by 2032.

During the panel, Risch criticized Canada’s military spending plans, suggesting that they would elicit laughter from Trump’s administration and advocated for increased defence efforts.