Military Shake-Up: Female Leaders Ousted. Is it because they are women?

By: Cassandra Williamson

USN, USMC, USNA'84

A recent incident involving the suspension of Army Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin has brought renewed attention to the Trump administration's approach to military leadership. Colonel Ramirez was suspended after photos of Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Pete Hegseth were not displayed on the base's chain-of-command board. This incident occurred amidst ongoing Pentagon investigations into alleged leaks.

This suspension is not an isolated event. Several high-ranking female military leaders have been removed or reassigned since President Trump's return to office in January 2025:

• Admiral Linda Fagan: The first female Commandant of the Coast Guard, was dismissed on Trump's first day. Officials cited "failure to address border security" and "excessive focus on DEI policies" as reasons.

• Admiral Lisa Franchetti: The first female Chief of Naval Operations, was removed from her position in February 2025, with no clear explanation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

• Lieutenant General Jennifer Short: Former Senior Military Advisor to Hegseth, was dismissed after less than a year in the role.

• Lieutenant General Telita Crosland: The first Black woman to lead the Defense Health Agency, abruptly retired in March 2025. No official explanation was provided.

  
  

These actions have raised concerns about the treatment of female officers within the military and the broader implications for the federal government.

Analyzing the Administration's Approach:

The reported removals align with several key recent actions taken by the Trump administration:

• "Meritocracy" vs. DEI:

  • The administration has consistently framed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as conflicting with a merit-based system.

  • This perspective suggests that DEI efforts prioritize identity over qualifications.

  • This aligns with reports of the administration's efforts to dismantle DEI programs within the military and federal agencies.

• Targeting DEI Programs:

  • There's a pattern of actively eliminating DEI programs and positions across the federal government, including the military.

  • This includes the removal of DEI-related content from official websites and communications.

• Rhetoric and Policy Regarding Minority Groups:

  • The administration's rhetoric and policy decisions have been criticized for disproportionately affecting minority groups, including women and transgender individuals.

  • Policies aimed at restricting transgender service in the military and the removal of diversity and inclusion programs are examples.

• Emphasis on Loyalty:

  • The administration places a high value on personal loyalty, as seen in the emphasis on displaying the president's photo.

  • This raises concerns about personnel decisions being influenced by political considerations rather than professional qualifications.

    
    

Connecting the Dots:

• Removal of Female Leaders:

  • These removals reflect the administration's broader efforts to reshape military culture and leadership.

  • Stated reasons, such as "excessive focus on DEI," highlight the administration's stance on these issues.

• Elimination of DEI Roles:

  • The elimination of DEI-related positions directly reflects the administration's policy objectives.

  • This aligns with prioritizing "merit" and eliminating programs deemed divisive.

• "Traditional" Military Values:

  • The emphasis on "warrior culture" and "lethality" often downplays diversity and inclusion efforts, which are sometimes seen as distractions.

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In conclusion,

These dismissals are a deliberate effort to reshape the military, reflecting the administration's views on diversity, merit, and traditional values, where women do not lead men. They stay home to make babies.