Women Veterans Project LEAP

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

**Opportunities Narrow for Women as Hegseth Blocks More Promotions**

A recent *New York Times* report says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed seven senior Navy officers from consideration for promotion to two-star admiral. Five of those officers are women or people of color.

Among them is Rear Adm. Amy Bauernschmidt, the first woman to command a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. As a result, no active-duty female Navy officer is now expected to be promoted to admiral this year—the first time that has happened in more than a decade.

Women have served, sacrificed, led, and earned their place at every level of military leadership. When qualified officers are denied advancement without a clear explanation, it raises serious questions about fairness, accountability, and the future of women in uniform.

Women Veterans Project LEAP will continue to **lead, educate, advocate, and prepare** while amplifying the voices and achievements of women who serve.

Read the full article at the link provided: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/14/us/hegseth-blocks-navy-promotions.html



Images Credit: NYT

07/17/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the CST 4th Regiment Advanced Camp Class of 2026! 🎓🇺🇸

Women Veterans Project LEAP proudly celebrates your dedication, resilience, leadership, and outstanding achievement. May this graduation mark the beginning of a future filled with purpose, courage, and continued success.

We salute you! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

07/08/2026

“This is not only about one general being removed. This is about what happens when military service, leadership, merit, accountability, and diversity are pulled into political conflict — and why veterans and service members should be paying attention.”

Women Veteran’s Project LEAP is sharing this conversation because the removal of senior military leaders raises serious questions about leadership, institutional trust, military readiness, and the future of professional service.

When experienced officers, JAGs, inspectors general, women, and people of color are pushed out under political language, the impact does not stop at the Pentagon. It sends a message throughout the ranks. It affects morale. It affects accountability. It affects the people who have dedicated their lives to serving this country.

This is a moment for veterans, service members, military families, and the public to pay attention — not from a place of partisanship, but from a place of concern for the integrity of military service.

Video credit: MS NOW, “It is scary’: Ret. Lt. Gen. Hertling slams Hegseth for ousting general,” featuring Pentagon Reporter Priya Sridhar, Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Mark Hertling, and Ali Vitali. Originally published July 6, 2026.