General Jennie Carignan, a major defense official in Canada, criticised US Senator Jim Risch’s remarks at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia on Saturday. She expressed concern about the need to defend” the contribution of ladies to security and support in their countries.”
During the same platform on Friday, Risch, the ranking member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was asked whether Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump‘s candidate for defence secretary, does retract his remarks suggesting that men and women may not offer up in combat units. Risch responded,” I think it’s insane for anyone to not believe that women in combat create specific special circumstances that need to be handled. I think the jury’s still up on how to do that”.
Addressing Risch’s speech the next day, Carignan, the second woman to lead the Canadian Armed Forces, strongly countered his opinions. I want to listen to Senator Risch’s assertion from yesterday regarding women in fight because she said she “would not want anyone to keep this forum with the notion that women are a distraction from defense and regional security,” she said.
Carignan, a 39-year veteran with considerable battle experience, emphasized the great achievements of women in security. I’ve been serving as a battle arms official for 39 years, and I’ve had to put my life on the line in numerous operations around the world. I’m shocked to learn that in 2024, we must still be able to defend and serve our country. ” I would n’t want anyone to leave this forum with the notion that this is some sort of social experiment.”
Defense and security officers from several European democracies were among the audience members who ovated her remarks.
Carignan’s military profession
Carignan was promoted to the rank of colonel during a change-of-command meeting this summers, becoming Canada’s initial female defence chief—a place appointed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s state.
She was the first woman to demand a combat unit and a pioneer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Her famous job includes installations to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Syria.
She has been in charge of professional conduct and tradition for the past three years as a result of the sexual misconduct scandal in 2021.
