Established in 1951, DACOWITS is one of the oldest Department of Defense
(DoD) Federal Advisory Committees. The Committee was created following the signing of the 1948
Women's Armed Services Integration Act to assist with recruiting. Over the years, the
DACOWITS charter has expanded, enabling the Committee to submit numerous recommendations to the
Secretary of Defense. The majority of proposals have been either fully or partially implemented.
DACOWITS is instrumental to the DoD and has made significant contributions on topics including
the opening of closed positions to women; improvements to the health of deployed servicewomen;
increased marketing, accession, and recruitment of women; and increased parental leave
authorizations.
Reports and Recommendations
DACOWITS gathers information from multiple sources, to include briefings and written responses
from DoD, Service-level military representatives, and subject matter experts. The Committee
collects qualitative data from focus groups and interactions with Service members representing
the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard during installation visits.
Additionally, the Committee examines peer-reviewed literature. Based upon the data collected and
analyzed, the Committee will submit recommendations and continuing concerns to the Secretary of
Defense.
Authority
The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act (FACA) of 1972 (5 United States Code (U.S.C.), Appendix, as amended) and 41 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) § 102-3.50(d). The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
(USD(P&R)) is the Sponsor for DACOWITS.
Ex-Officio Representatives
Authorized by the DACOWITS Charter, the Executive Director of the Center for Women Veterans for
the Department of Veterans Affairs will serve as a non-voting, ex-officio regular government
employee (RGE) member, who may participate in Committee deliberations.
Service Liaisons and Other Defense Points of Contact
In accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5105.04, “Department of
Defense Federal Advisory Committee Management Program,” dated August 6, 2007, and Deputy
Secretary of Defense memorandum, “Advisory Committee Management,” dated November 26,
2018, the Military Services will designate a Service Liaison to the DACOWITS. Service Liaisons
attend each DACOWITS quarterly business meeting for the entire duration of the public meeting;
respond to all DACOWITS requests for information; and ensure the information provided to
DACOWITS receives appropriate security reviews prior to the release of any public disclosure of
information. Other Defense points of contact are designated through the USD(P&R).