Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
Disclaimer: The collection/distribution of new articles does not constitute Defense Department or DACOWITS
endorsement of the information contained therein. To learn more about DACOWITS visit https://dacowits.defense.gov/ 1 | Page
Recruitment & Retention
1.
The Marines are retaining women at significantly higher rates than men
(6 Feb) Marine Corps Times, By Hope Hedge Seck
The military service with the smallest proportion of women in the ranks may also be disproportionately good at
retaining them.
2.
Will the Air Force bring back warrant officers?
(6 Feb) Air & Space Forces Magazine, By Tobias Naegele and David Roza
Challenges with retaining highly skilled technical specialists could drive the Air Force to reintroduce warrant
officers 45 years after the last Air Force warrant officer retired in 1980. The Air Force and Space Force are the
only military services not to include warrant officers, who fill technical, rather than leadership functions in the
other military branches.
3.
Companies and universities can help reverse military recruiting shortfalls threatening America's national
security
(6 Feb) Military.com, By James R. Schenck and Kathleen T. Jabs
Military recruiting shortfalls threaten our national security during a critical time as two wars that could quickly
escalate are being waged.
4.
Air Force seeks retirees to come back to active duty
(7 Feb) Air Force Times, By Courtney Mabeus-Brown
Service offers up to four years on active duty for returning pilots, security forces and others.
5.
Air Force may bring back warrant officers to boost technical expertise
(7 Feb) Military Times, By Courtney Mabeus-Brown
The Air Force is considering bringing back warrant officers, nearly half a century after the service’s last active
duty airman to serve in the role retired.
6.
Free college promises intensify military recruitment crisis
(7 Feb) Fox News, By Kate Monroe
Our military is becoming an afterthought to the next generation, stoking a national security crisis.
7.
Navy now forgiving recruits' prior marijuana use as it looks to cut more losses at boot camp
(8 Feb) Military.com, By Konstantin Toropin
The Navy is no longer immediately kicking out recruits who arrive at boot camp at Recruit Training Command
in Great Lakes, Illinois, with detectable amounts of marijuana in their system.
8.
Royal Air Force reverses decades-old policy to boost recruitment
(9 Feb) Defense Post, By Joe Saballa
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has decided to reverse its decades-old policy on body art in an attempt to boost
recruitment. Aspiring UK airmen with full hand tattoos are no longer prohibited from applying, as stated in the
newly amended policy.
9.
Air Force to Re-Introduce Warrant Officer Rank, Other Major Changes
(13 Feb) DoD News, By C. Todd Lopez
To best optimize itself for great power competition, the Air Force plans to, among other things, bring back
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warrant officers within the cyber and information technology professions, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.
David W. Allvin during a presentation Monday at the Air Force Association's 2024 Warfare Symposium.
10.
Air Force is hitting 2024 monthly recruiting goals, but threat of CR looms large
(13 Feb) Air & Space Forces Magazine, By David Roza
The head of the Air Force Recruiting Service remains “cautiously optimistic” about hitting his recruiting goals
for fiscal 2024 year, armed with positive data from the first five months.
11.
CSO: Why the Space Force won’t be introducing warrant officers
(13 Feb) Air & Space Forces Magazine, By Greg Hadley
The Space Force has no plans to follow the Air Force in introducing a warrant officer corps to its ranks, Chief
of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman said Feb. 13.
12.
The US military is embedded in the gaming world. Its target: teen recruits
(14 Feb) Guardian, By Rosa Schwartzburg
In a small room tucked into a US navy facility outside Memphis, Tennessee, uniformed personnel sit hunched
over monitors, their eyes focused on screens as they speak into headsets with clipped efficiency. Computer
towers and glowing red keyboards crowd their desks. This is top-of-the-line gear, used for executing combat
missions and coordinating strategy – but not with fleets stationed across the world. These sailors are playing
video games. On the other end of their headsets and screens are young gamers they hope to inspire.
13.
Space Force mulls 8-year active duty enlistments for new recruits
(14 Feb) Air Force Times, By Rachel S. Cohen
The Space Force is considering requiring prospective guardians to enlist for an initial term of eight years on
active duty — twice as long as first-term troops usually sign up for — in a bid to build a more stable workforce
to span the coming decades.
14.
These 2 Marines are the service's top recruiters. Here's how they're navigating the recruiting crisis.
(14 Feb) Military.com, By Drew F. Lawrence
The Marine Corps recognized its top two recruiters across the service last week. Competing with more than
3,200 other recruiters in the Marine Corps, Gunnery Sgts. Russell Cowan and Tristan Wiggin earned the titles
of top recruiter and runner-up, respectively.
15.
Former poolee files legal complaint against Marine Corps over recruiter’s alleged sexual assault and
abuse
(15 Feb) Military.com, By Drew F. Lawrence
A former recruit filed a federal legal complaint against the Marine Corps after her recruiter -- who self-
published a memoir detailing some of his own misconduct -- allegedly sexually abused her.
16.
Air Force recruiting rebounds while Army, Navy still struggle
(17 Feb) Military Times, By Rachel S. Cohen
The Pentagon ended fiscal year 2023 on a sour note for military recruiting, falling tens of thousands of new
enlisted troops short of its goal in what it called “the toughest recruitment year for the military services since the
inception of the all-volunteer force.”
17.
The Corps has a plan to stop Marines from leaving. Is it working?
(20 Feb) Marine Corps Times, By Irene Loewenson
One evening in 2016, John walked out of his career planner’s office carrying a blue-and-red folder that
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
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February 2024
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contained his completed reenlistment package. The junior enlisted Marine had a decision to make: Should he
submit the package and stay in the Marine Corps, or leave the service the following year?
18.
Inside the Navy’s quest to fix its recruiting crisis
(21 Feb) Military Times, By Diana Stancy
Last year, the Navy hit a grim milestone for the first time in its history, one that leaders hoped they would never
see.
19.
No, the military isn’t recruiting illegal immigrants
(21 Feb) Task & Purpose, By Jeff Schogol
Immigrants not in the country legally would not be eligible for the program.
20.
Israel’s military draft exempts ultra-Orthodox Jews. The war in Gaza is testing that pact.
(23 Feb) Wall Street Journal, By Dov Lieber and Carrie Keller-Lynn
The Defense Ministry wants troops and reservists to serve longer, sparking demands to end a longstanding
exemption for a slice of Israeli society.
21.
DC-area Army retention is good, and it could be a bellwether for the rest of the service
(23 Feb) Military.com, By Steve Beynon
The region serves as a microcosm for the Army and can forecast whether the force will hit its ever ambitious
retention goals.
22.
Woman files $5M claim against Corps for sex abuse by Marine recruiter
(23 Feb) Marine Corps Times, By Irene Loewenson
A now-18-year-old woman argued the Marine Corps was negligent in letting Gunnery Sgt. Christopher
Champagne interact with teenage recruits.
23.
The Pentagon’s new recruitment policy is a disaster
(24 Feb) The Hill, By Owen West
Military recruiting is down sharply. More than half of adults under 30 years hold a negative view of the
military. White progressives are least likely to volunteer. If the freefall is not arrested, a draft will be necessary.
24.
Medical histories, test scores creating Marine recruiting obstacles
(27 Feb) USNI News, By Heather Mongilio
Before Genesis, a Marine Corps recruiter could get someone medically qualified in about 30 days and then the
potential recruit spent three or four months getting ready for boot camp, Brig. Gen. James Ryans, commanding
general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Western Recruiting Region, told an audience at the West 2024
conference. Now, after Genesis, it takes three to four months to get someone medically cleared.
25.
New Navy Women's Teams Created to Address Female Sailor Concerns in Bid to Increase Recruiting,
Retention
(28 Feb) Military.com, By Konstantin Toropin
The Navy is rolling out new teams that will hear female sailors' concerns, advocate on their behalf, and focus on
recruiting and retaining more women in the fleet.
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
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Employment & Integration
26.
Lighten the load: The Army’s plan to save time by shedding excess gear
(13 Feb) Army Times, By Todd South
To save time and ditch unneeded gear, the Army recently began a pilot program to expedite removing excess
equipment from unit inventories.
27.
Navy will ask for 1 Virginia-class sub in FY 25 shipbuilding budget, increase amphib production
(20 Feb) USNI News, By Sam Lagrone
The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget will ask Congress to fund one Virginia-class attack boat, a break from a
steady two-per-year demand signal from the service and a sign that industry is still catching up to the current
demand, three sources familiar with the proposed budget submission confirmed to USNI News.
28.
1st NATO all-female crew flies with 22 servicewomen from 8 countries
(21 Feb) Military Times < Video >
29.
Sea bag tanker jacket, boat cloak for women proposed for Marine uniforms
(22 Feb) Marine Corps Times, By Hope Hodge Seck
The commandant made one recommendation before voting got underway: to eliminate the requirement for
women to wear pantyhose with dress uniform skirts.
30.
What’s it take to get through the Navy SEAL selection process?
(28 Feb) Military Times <Video>
Learn more in 'How It Works'
31.
Are your hair and nails in regs? Check out this chart
(29 Feb) Military Times, By Courtney Mabeus-Brown
For airmen wondering if that shaggy haircut, their favorite eyelash extensions or that fire engine red nail polish
meet Air Force grooming standards, have no fear: The service now has a visual guide to help.
Well-Being & Treatment
32.
Pentagon would have to study difficulties of troops and spouses getting maternity care under new bill
(1 Feb) Military.com, By Rebecca Kheel
The Defense Department would have to undertake a detailed study of service members' and spouses' access to
maternity care within the military health care system under bills being introduced Thursday by a bipartisan
group of lawmakers from both chambers of Congress.
33.
Access to abortion drug is a national security issue, former top military officials claim in legal filing
(1 Feb) Military.com, By Patricia Kime
Former secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force as well as former high-ranking military service members
say that restricting access to mifepristone, the medication used in more than half of all medical abortions in the
U.S., would hurt recruitment, military readiness and cause undue harm to national security.
34.
Retired military officials: Protecting abortion care keeps America safe
(1 Feb) Washington Post, By Louis Caldera, Ray Mabus, and Deborah James
The tragic attack on our troops at Tower 22 in Jordan is a stark reminder of how those in uniform might give
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
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their lives at any moment in service to our country. Two of the three soldiers killed were women. They lost their
lives for a country that is moving to restrict the rights of all women — including those in uniform.
35.
Army officer gets reprimand for secret camera in dressing room
(5 Feb) Task & Purpose, By Jeff Schogol
Army Lt. Col. Jacob J. Sweatland who trained future officers will receive a reprimand but serve no jail time for
spying on a changing room with a hidden camera at a store that caters to teenagers and young adults.
36.
Ready for a fight: Experts say at-home rape assessment kits aren't the best option, but this entrepreneur
is selling them to sororities and the military
(5 Feb) Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, By Evan Robinson
By the time she was 23, Madison Campbell had racked up more than a dozen cease-and-desist letters and was
seated at a deposition table, staring down lawyers who argued she was endangering the same vulnerable people
she claimed to be helping.
37.
Military child care rates were just cut for many, but affluent families are paying more
(7 Feb) Military.com, By Amanda Miller
The families of as many as 38% of children in on-base military child care could be paying higher fees this year
after a set of rate adjustments.
38.
Former JBLM battalion commander pleads not guilty in court-martial to charges including sexual
harassment
(8 Feb) Stars & Stripes, By
Lt. Col. Herman Bernard West III was removed from command at the joint Army-Air Force installation north of
Tacoma, Wash. He now faces seven charges for violations of the UCMJ, the military’s legal statutes, including
two counts of sexual harassment, three counts of abusing command authority by cruel maltreatment of a
subordinate, one count of conduct unbecoming an officer and one count of dereliction of duty.
39.
Coast Guard sexual assault victims can now report the crime without being punished for minor
misconduct
(8 Feb) Military.com, By Patricia Kime
The Coast Guard has announced a new policy requiring commanders to disregard "minor" misconduct --
including underage drinking or fraternizing -- by victims or witnesses in sexual assault cases to encourage
reporting of such crimes.
40.
Navy rolls out confidential sexual harassment reporting option
(9 Feb) Military Times, By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Sailors experiencing sexual harassment will now have a confidential reporting option when they are seeking to
report such wrongdoing, according to a naval administrative message, or NAVADMIN, released this week.
41.
Sex offenses for 3 senior Army officers end with plea deals and reprimands
(15 Feb) Military.com, By Steve Beynon
The officers were all lieutenant colonels. One hid cameras in changing rooms used by teen girls; another
allegedly had sex with a trainee and tried to move on another in a public bathroom; and another commander
frequently sexually harassed a subordinate and allegedly struck another officer.
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
Disclaimer: The collection/distribution of new articles does not constitute Defense Department or DACOWITS
endorsement of the information contained therein. To learn more about DACOWITS visit https://dacowits.defense.gov/ 6 | Page
42.
More Navy child-care centers are coming to drive down wait times, but they're struggling to find staff
(16 Feb) Military.com, By Konstantin Toropin
Amid a growing push by Navy leaders to improve the lives and conditions for sailors, the sea service's
installation command is building four new child-care facilities and has plans for 12 more over the next several
years.
43.
Coast Guard leaders made list of reasons not to tell Congress about explosive sexual assault investigation,
new records show
(16 Feb) CNN, By Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken
Records turned over to Congress this month reveal how top officials at the US Coast Guard engaged in a
calculated plan to conceal the damning findings of an investigation into decades of sexual assault cases at the
agency’s academy, going so far as to create a list of the pros and cons of being transparent.
44.
Private Equity Has Its Eyes on the Child-Care Industry
(21 Feb) The Atlantic, By Adam Harris
As states and the federal government pour money into early education, how will they keep a public good from
becoming a private cash cow?
45.
A military family faces uncertainty over having another child with the help of IVF after Alabama’s
Supreme Court ruling
(22 Feb) CNN, By Nouran Salahieh
Julie Eshelman and her husband conceived their 2-year-old daughter through in vitro fertilization and kept their
frozen embryos in storage, hoping to keep available a vital option for growing their family.
46.
Senate bill proposes Coast Guard not punish sexual assault victims for minor infractions
(22 Feb) Stars & Stripes, By Svetlana Shkolnikova
A yearslong coverup of sexual assault at the Coast Guard Academy is prompting lawmakers to align the Coast
Guard with other military services in protecting cadets and service members who report sexual abuse.
47.
Agencies need to beef up sexual harassment training for employees, GAO says
(26 Feb) GovExec, By Erich Wagner
Selected federal agencies and components of the Defense Department have only partially implemented an array
of training practices aimed at preventing sexual harassment and do not sufficiently evaluate the effectiveness of
their existing training programs, the watchdog found.
48.
Military couples trying to start families face fear, frustration following Alabama fertility care ruling
(27 Feb) Military.com, By Rachel Nostrant
Some service members and their spouses are concerned they may soon be forced to choose between military
service and having a family following the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling last week that frozen embryos have
the same legal status as birthed children.
49.
Alaska Air Guard unit found to have rampant pattern of discrimination
(29 Feb) Military.com, By Steve Beynon and Thomas Novelly
A troubled Air National Guard unit is grappling with seemingly rampant misbehavior within its ranks,
particularly among its noncommissioned officers, including sexist and racist discrimination, inappropriate jokes
and a generally poor working environment. And its commander is telling the formation to shape up.
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Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
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Servicewomen in the News
50.
Report: Fired USS Lake Erie captain instilled a ‘culture of fear’
(1 Feb) Military Times, By Sarah Sicard
Capt. Danielle DeFant — who commanded the ship for roughly 14 months — was ousted following an
investigation that began after three unnamed subordinates aired grievances about “toxic command climate
and/or sexual discrimination.”
51.
Character above all: Top-performing Space Force MTI wins Polaris Award
(1 Feb) Air & Space Forces Magazine, By Patrick Reardon
The U.S. Space Force selected Tech. Sgt. Isabel F. Childress of the 1st Delta Operations Squadron, Detachment
1, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, as the winner of the Polaris Award for Character for
“personifying integrity, honesty, candor, fairness, accountability, and transparency” in 2023.
52.
Army posthumously promotes 3 soldiers killed in Jordan drone attack
(2 Feb) Army Times, By Sarah Sicard
Spc. Kennedy Sanders and Spc. Breonna Moffett, who were killed in the attack were raised to the rank of
sergeant.
53.
General Officer Announcement
(8 Feb) DoD Immediate Release
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Marine Corps Col. Tamara L. Campbell for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Campbell is currently
serving as program manager, Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program, Naval Air Systems
Command, Patuxent River, Maryland.
54.
New commander of Fort Eustis joint task force breaks barriers
(9 Feb) Virginian-Pilot, By Staff
Army Col. Tanya McGonegal became the 13th commander of U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Task Force-
Civil Support in Newport News. McGonegal is not only the first woman commanding the unit, but also the first
African American to hold the position.
55.
General Officer Announcement
(14 Feb) DoD Immediate Release
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Army Col. Yolanda R. Summons for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Summons is currently
serving as deputy chief of staff for operations, U.S. Army Medical Command, Falls Church, Virginia.
56.
Body camera footage shows arrest of Army reservist on AWOL charge
(15 Feb) Military Times, By Todd South
Recently released body camera footage of the 2022 arrest of an Army reservist in her home on a desertion
charge shows police breaking down the door of the woman’s home at gunpoint as she cared for her 1-year-old
child. Sgt. 1st Class Shantaya Williams was charged with desertion after she failed to accept a transfer from her
human resources position in Texas to another position in Virginia.
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
Disclaimer: The collection/distribution of new articles does not constitute Defense Department or DACOWITS
endorsement of the information contained therein. To learn more about DACOWITS visit https://dacowits.defense.gov/ 8 | Page
57.
The Air Force's first female enlisted leader broke the 'brass ceiling.' Here’s her view on retirement.
(15 Feb) Military.com, By Thomas Novelly
JoAnne Bass recalled getting a phone call on her birthday, one that would change not just her life and career but
also history.
58.
This soldier repeatedly ran into a burning building to save others
(22 Feb) Army Times, By Todd South
Warrant Officer Zarah, the single mother of five, didn't hesitate to go back into the building to help others.
59.
Meet the first Black woman to lead a disaster response task force based at Fort Eustis
(27 Feb) The Virginian-Pilot, By Caitlyn Burchett
Army Col. Tanya McGonegal was 25 when she experienced the first “only” in her military career. She was the
sole woman in the June 1999 graduating class at Virginia State Officer Candidate School.
60.
From Pilot to Pageantry: Meet the 1st Active-Duty Miss America
(28 Feb) DoD News, By Katie Lange
Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh made big plans for herself when she was young, although she never really
factored becoming Miss America into that equation. However, after a tough competition in January, Marsh
became the first active-duty service member to earn the crown. The 22-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy
graduate is now learning to navigate life as a military member, a cancer research scholar and a public figure.
61.
Flag Officer Announcement
(29 Feb) DoD Immediate Release
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Navy Capt. Katie F. Sheldon for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half). Sheldon is currently
serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve Third Fleet Headquarters, San Diego, California.
62.
General Officer Announcement
(29 Feb) DoD Immediate Release
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the President has made the following
nomination: Air Force Brig. Gen. AnnMarie K. Anthony for appointment to the grade of major general.
Anthony is currently serving as the director, Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Center, U.S. Strategic
Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
63.
Flag Officer Announcements
(29 Feb) DoD Immediate Release
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following
nominations:
• Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Susan BryerJoyner for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. BryerJoyner
is currently serving as deputy director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber, J6,
Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
• Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Jennifer S. Couture for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Couture is
currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, Everett, Washington.
• Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Elizabeth S. Okano for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Okano is
currently serving as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.
• Navy Capt. Lia M. Reynolds for appointment to the grade of rear admiral and for assignment as deputy
judge advocate general of the Navy. Reynolds is currently serving as the assistant judge advocate general,
Operations and Management, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Defense Advisory Committee on
Women in the Services
Articles of Interest
February 2024
Disclaimer: The collection/distribution of new articles does not constitute Defense Department or DACOWITS
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Women Veterans
64.
They fell in love three decades ago. Now they pilot planes together
(6 Feb) CNN, By Francesca Street
Joel and Shelley met as twentysomethings flying jets in the US Air Force. They became fast friends, then, over
time, fell in love.
65.
Air Force veteran Haley McClain Hill lands $150K 'Shark Tank' deal for her military apparel company
(9 Feb) AfroTech, By Gozi Nwanji
As a former U.S. Air Force lieutenant, Haley McClain Hill launched Torch Warriorwear — military apparel
brand. From the firsthand experience of being in the Air Force until 2021, the 28-year-old wanted to create
clothing that met U.S. military standards but also was fitted for women’s bodies.
66.
Mental health outreach efforts need more focus on women vets: report
(27 Feb) Military Times, By Leo Shane III
Federal officials too often overlook the specific mental health needs of women veterans when crafting mental
health programs, leaving worrisome gaps in available resources, researchers from Disabled American Veterans
argued in a new report released Tuesday.
67.
Today's Episode: Mental health outreach efforts need more focus on women vets: report
(28 Feb) Early Bird Brief <Podcast>
Female veterans account for nearly 10% of veterans in the VA system.
68.
Women veterans face jumps in domestic violence, suicide risk
(28 Feb) Task & Purpose, By Patty Nieberg
1 in 5 female veterans reported experiencing intimate partner violence in the last year.
