Canada’s 1st female defence chief ‘can’t believe’ U.S. senator would question a woman’s role in combat

Gen. Jennie Carignan, the first woman to command Canada’s military, made headlines recently for calling out U.S. Senator Jim Risch on his comments questioning the role of women in combat. Risch, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee, expressed doubts about women serving in combat units during a panel session at the Halifax International Security Forum.

Carignan, who has had a distinguished 39-year career as a combat arms officer, strongly disagreed with Risch’s remarks. She emphasized that women have been actively participating in combat for centuries, yet their contributions have often gone unrecognized. Carignan highlighted the women military personnel in the room and emphasized that women who choose to serve their country in combat roles should be celebrated, not dismissed as distractions.

The debate surrounding women in combat was reignited by President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has expressed his belief that men and women should not serve together in combat units, a stance that has garnered both praise and criticism. If confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth could potentially reverse the Pentagon’s policy of allowing women in all combat roles.

Carignan’s historic appointment as Canada’s first female chief of defense staff is a testament to her trailblazing career. She has served in various combat zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria. Carignan’s promotion to the rank of general this past summer marked another milestone in her career.

In addition to her combat experience, Carignan has been instrumental in addressing issues of professional conduct and culture within the Canadian military. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as Canada faces pressure from NATO allies to increase its defense spending to meet the two percent GDP target. Despite criticism from some quarters, the Canadian government has committed to reaching this goal by 2032.

During the Halifax International Security Forum, Carignan received a standing ovation for her impassioned defense of women in combat roles. Her words resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of women in the military. As the first woman to lead a G20 or G7 country’s armed forces, Carignan continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in defense and security.