The Pentagon’s promotion system is supposed to be apolitical and merit-based. A board of senior Navy admirals selects the most qualified officers for advancement. The defense secretary’s role is limited to approving or rejecting the list, and only for specific cause. But Pete Hegseth just broke those rules.
In a move that disproportionately targets women and minority officers, Defense Secretary Hegseth recently blocked the promotions of at least seven Navy officers who had been selected by the board. At least two of the officers removed from the promotion list are women and two are Black men. An additional three are white men.
The net result of Hegseth’s intervention is a slate of 22 nominees to be one-star admirals that bears little resemblance to the broader force these officers will help lead. No female officers were included on the new one-star list, which was released publicly in late May, despite the fact that women make up about 21 percent of the active-duty Navy. The list appears to include only two nonwhite officers, even though sailors who identify as racial minorities make up about 38 percent of the active-duty Navy.
The Pentagon Rules
According to Pentagon rules, the defense secretary is only supposed to pull officers from the promotion list for moral, mental, physical, or professional failings that raise questions about the officers’ fitness to lead. There is no indication that the seven officers Hegseth blocked had any such failings.
Four current and former defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, told the New York Times that Hegseth’s actions appear to violate those rules. His decision appears driven by his anti-diversity stance rather than based on merit.
The Impact
The removal of these officers from the promotion list has immediate and long-term consequences. For the officers themselves, being blocked from promotion can derail careers, affect pensions, and limit future opportunities. For the Navy, losing experienced, qualified leaders — particularly women and minorities who are already underrepresented at the highest ranks — weakens the force.
The timing is also significant. The promotion list was finalized by a board of senior Navy admirals who determined that these officers were among the most qualified to lead. Hegseth, a civilian appointee with no military background, overruled them.
The Pattern
This is not the first time Hegseth has taken action against diversity initiatives in the military. He has publicly criticized what he calls “woke” policies in the armed forces and has advocated for returning to a “warrior culture” that he says has been eroded. His critics argue that his definition of “warrior culture” excludes women and minorities.
The Pentagon has not commented on the specific promotions. The Navy has deferred questions to the Defense Department. Hegseth’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
The Bottom Line
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed at least seven Navy officers from a promotion list at the Pentagon after they had been selected by a board of senior admirals. At least two of the officers are women and two are Black men. The final list of one-star admiral nominees includes no female officers and only two nonwhite officers, despite women making up 21 percent of the active-duty Navy and racial minorities making up 38 percent. Pentagon rules allow the defense secretary to block promotions only for specific fitness-related failings. Officials say Hegseth’s actions appear to violate those rules and appear driven by his anti-diversity stance.
