Protect Our Defenders Calls for Senator Ernst to Replace Hegseth as Secretary of Defense Nominee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2024
Brian Purchia, brian@protectourdefenders.com
Ernst’s leadership and reform record make her the right choice for a military facing recruitment and retention crises
Washington, DC – Protect Our Defenders (POD) – the pre-eminent national human rights organization dedicated to ending sexual violence in the military – has called for Pete Hegseth’s replacement as the nominee for Secretary of Defense, citing his unfitness to lead amid an escalating recruitment and retention crises and other systemic challenges impacting all branches, ethnicities, and genders within the armed forces.
Today, POD calls on President-elect Trump to drop Hegseth and nominate U.S. Senator and veteran Joni Ernst to lead the Pentagon. Ernst’s distinguished military career, support of women in the force, and legislative achievements to improve command climate, accountability, and sexual assault prevention reforms make her uniquely qualified for the role.
Senator Ernst’s Military and Legislative Achievements
Senator Ernst’s 23-year military career includes serving as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she led 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen in Kuwait and Iraq. Her military service, culminating in her retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel, earned her numerous commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
In the Senate, Ernst has been a tireless advocate for service members, leveraging her role on the Senate Armed Services Committee to champion reforms and address the military’s growing recruitment and retention crisis. Women are 28% more likely to leave military service compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the urgent need for cultural and systemic change within the armed forces. With the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard falling short of recruiting goals in 2023, Ernst has focused on fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Ernst has amplified sexual assault survivors’ voices and driven systemic change. As co-sponsor of the bipartisan Military Justice Improvement and Increased Prevention Act (MJI-IPA) alongside Senator Gillibrand, she spearheaded landmark legislation to remove prosecutorial decisions from the chain of command – an essential reform for accountability and justice.
Pete Hegseth’s Troubling Record
POD has been vocal in opposing Pete Hegseth’s nomination due to his troubling record, including opposition to women in combat, allegations of sexual misconduct, and resistance to critical reforms. Hegseth’s stance risks alienating women – who make up 17.5% of active duty personnel and half of the talent pool – and undermines progress made to attract and retain the best service members.
This support comes as the military grapples with an escalating sexual assault crisis. Recent high-profile cases, including the more than 100 victims accusing Army doctor Maj. Michael Stockin of sexual assault and Army Major Jonathan J. Batt facing allegations of assaulting at least 20 victims in the Washington D.C. area, highlight the urgent need for strong leadership at the Pentagon.
Protect Our Defenders Founder, Chair, and CEO, Nancy Parrish, released the following statement:
“Every week, the number of service members harmed by sexual violence is equivalent to a battalion – at the same time, the military is facing a recruitment and retention crisis. We need leaders who will build on progress and move us forward.
“The nomination of Senator Ernst as Secretary of Defense would send a powerful signal to women in uniform that their contributions are valued and their voices heard. Having walked in their shoes, Ernst understands the challenges and responsibilities of serving in the military and what victims of sexual violence face when reporting the crime.
“Women in combat have consistently proven their worth, and appointing leaders who prioritize both strength and fairness are critical to protecting the integrity and cohesion of our military.”
Protect Our Defenders Senior Vice President, Josh Connolly, former Chief of Staff for Rep. Jackie Speier (former Chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee), released the following statement:
“I have spoken with countless survivors of military sexual assault and young women considering military service, many of whom have expressed deep concerns about joining or staying without meaningful reforms. Senator Ernst’s leadership has been vital in implementing transformative reforms, driven by survivors that improve command climate, unit cohesion, and morale. The Senator’s work to strengthen prevention efforts is a key component to recent reforms, yet there is much to be done.
“Hegseth’s nomination sends the wrong message to our service members, particularly women, who have fought hard for their rightful place in the military. Women have risked their lives and died to defend our constitution and country. Allegations of troubling behavior and Hegseth’s views on women in combat and resistance to reform undermine trust at a time when recruitment and retention are critical.
“In contrast, Senator Ernst’s nomination would signal a commitment to professionalism, fairness and accountability. As a combat veteran and champion of systemic reforms, Ernst understands the importance of a healthy command climate in strengthening our armed forces. Her leadership has the potential to inspire confidence, protect progress, and ensure our military is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
