Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson, in announcing the latest decision Tuesday on X, said the committee “is focused on advancing a divisive feminist agenda that hurts combat readiness.”

Hegseth, in recent months, has also set grooming standards and sought to root out diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

The Defense secretary, in terminating the panel, is prioritizing “uniform, sex-neutral standards across the Department,” Wilson said.

Former Defense Secretary George C. Marshall created the committee in 1951 under President Harry Truman to increase the number of female servicemembers and open up new career fields.

Hegseth, when pressed by lawmakers at his confirmation hearing, said he supported women in the military. “I respect every single female service member that has put on the uniform past and present,” he said. “My critiques, senator, recently and in the past, and from personal experience, have been instances where I’ve seen standards lowered,” for women to participate in combat.

He voiced less support on a podcast last year. “I’m straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles,” he said on The Shawn Ryan Show. “It hasn’t made us more effective. Hasn’t made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated.”