For the first time in nearly two decades, there are no active-duty women serving as four-star generals or admirals in the United States military in 2026.
The milestone comes after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened in a series of military promotion decisions that disproportionately affected women and minority officers.
Military promotion boards selected 31 officers for advancement after determining they were the most qualified candidates within their respective competitive categories.
Hegseth ultimately canceled or withdrew nine promotions.
All seven women selected by the boards were removed.
The only other officers denied promotion were two Black men.
No white men selected by the boards were removed.
The military’s promotion boards are designed to identify the most qualified officers for advancement based on performance, command experience, evaluations, and service records.
Their recommendations are traditionally given significant weight because they are intended to reduce political …
