Defense Secretary Removes Nine Officers From Navy Promotion List

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed nine officers from a Navy promotion list that had already been approved by service leaders and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The list originally contained 31 captains chosen to advance to one-star admiral.

Three of the nine officers removed were women, leaving no female officers on the final list. Women currently make up about one-quarter of all Navy officers and nearly one-third of midgrade ranks, according to 2024 military data. The Navy's promotion process normally relies on a board that reviews records and selects officers based on performance, competence, and character.

The board had also been directed to give special consideration to officers with knowledge of political-military affairs and U.S. strategy toward China.

The Associated Press interviewed eight female Navy officers after the changes became public. The officers spoke on condition of anonymity, citing fear of retribution. More junior officers said they now view future promotions as potentially politicized and believe there may be a limit on how far they can advance.

Some officers said the removals made them feel less valued and questioned whether that effect was intended. The Pentagon has not provided a reason for removing any of the nine officers. Senior officers expressed concern about the message sent to younger sailors considering military careers.

Hegseth has removed three female flag officers since taking office, including the service's top officer. He has previously stated that women in uniform receive preferential treatment and are unsuited for combat roles. A researcher at the Center for New American Security said the intervention marks a departure from past practice in which promotion decisions remained with the services.