After nearly a decade, thousands of military women will finally be allowed to serve on the front lines. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, along with Army General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that the Pentagon will overturn the policy that had banned servicewomen from smaller ground-combat unitssuch as infantry, artillery, armor and special operations like the Navy SEALSsince 1994. More than 230,000 new positions now will be open to service women.
“Women have shown great courage and sacrifice on and off the battlefield, contributed in unprecedented ways to the military’s mission and proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles,” says Panetta. “The department’s goal in rescinding the rule is to ensure that the mission is met with the best-qualified and most capable people, regardless of gender.”
Panetta: Diversity Champion
