Defense Secretary lifts ban on women in combat

Opening thousands of front line positions, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women in combat, the AP reports:


"The groundbreaking move recommended by the Joint Chiefs of Staff overturns a 1994 rule banning women from being assigned to smaller ground combat units.

"Panetta’s decision gives the military services until January 2016 to seek special exceptions if they believe any positions must remain closed to women."

Military service leaders say requirements to participate in combat units will not be lowered.  Those women who want to apply for those available positions will still need to pass any current physical and mental requirements.