Protect Our Defenders

In reversal, Pentagon keeps women’s advisory group, adds four more A 75-year-old committee advocating for women in the military will be revived as part of a phased return of 39 DOD groups put on pause earlier this year.

We welcome the Pentagon’s decision to keep the 75-year-old commission advocating for women in the armed services & restore advisory groups on equity & inclusion. Women's voices in the Defense Department matter. #ProtectOurDefenders #WomenInService

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At Protect Our Defenders, we offer advocacy and legal support for military sexual assault survivors.

We believe these women deserve full respect, opportunity, and protection. Join us in defending them.

#ServiceMembersDeserveJustice

Here’s what that means—for the dreams and careers of servicewomen, including pilots, combat troops, and survivors of assault: the SecDef wants you out.

Hegseth reposts video featuring pastors against women’s voting rights “All of Christ for All of Life,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in his post that accompanied the video.

🧵 Latest from the Pentagon: The SecDef reposted a video where pastors argue women shouldn’t vote or serve in military leadership or combat roles. www.militarytimes.com/news/pentago...

US Air Force to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service The U.S. Air Force has decided to deny early retirement options for transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service.

The U.S. Air Force will deny early retirement to transgender service members with 15–18 years of service, forcing separation without benefits. Not only is this harmful to our national security…it is cruel. More in AP: apnews.com/article/air-...

"The military must reckon with its failures & build a system that doesn’t rely on outsiders to ensure survivors are heard, protected, & supported." Read more from POD on today's conviction of an Army Major, involving 14 civilians & one active duty officer.
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Lawmakers press for continued funds, staff to combat military sexual assault In Washington, D.C., there are new promises from the Pentagon, as old concerns continue to linger when it comes to sexual assault among our troops.

As the military faces high-profile assault cases, the Trump admin & Sec. Hegseth push to dismantle survivor protections & prevention programs. Bipartisan reforms are starting to work but are now at risk. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm. More on The National Desk.
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A 30th Sex Assault Claim Filed Against Coast Guard Academy A 30th sexual assault complaint was filed against the U.S. Coast Guard, a law firm representing former Coast Guard Academy cadets announced.

Incredible respect for Christine Dunn, who’s leading the fight for Coast Guard Academy sexual assault survivors. Her work is breaking the silence, holding institutions accountable, & empowering more survivors to seek justice. #Accountability #SurvivorsDeserveBetter

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Sec. Hegseth is ending the DoD’s Women, Peace & Security program, which he termed a “Biden initiative” but was enacted by Trump in his first term. Experts say this will have significant consequences for women & US military goals abroad. More in
@cnn.com.

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“This memo talks about maintaining a ‘lethal & ready force,’ but the Secretary’s actions will do the opposite."

Read more from POD on why the DoD's new memo will erode trust, silence survivors, & worsen the military’s growing recruitment crisis.

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