And, frankly, our military could not do its job of protecting America and keeping us safe without the women who serve in the military,” she said. Joined by Trump while speaking with hundreds of senior U.S. military officials in Quantico, Virginia, last week, Hegseth said it was important that certain combat positions return “to the highest male standard.”AdvertisementSen. Tammy Duckworth and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Getty ImagesHe pointed out that the standard could lead to fewer women serving in combat roles before declaring, “If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it. AdvertisementElsewhere in his speech, Hegseth also railed against “fat generals and admirals.”“Frankly, it’s tiring to look out at combat formations, or really any formation, and see fat troops,” he said. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), a Marine veteran, called Hegseth a “laughing stock” following his speech.
