U.S. to open all combat roles to women, defence secretary says

Dunford, who served until late September as commandant of the Marine Corps, recommended that the service keep its infantry and at least some reconnaissance units closed to women, Marine officials said. Within 30 days – a waiting period required by law – all combat roles will be open to women. It also paves the way for women to potentially serve in special operations fields such as Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces.

Carter disagreed and said there will be no exceptions, but everyone in the roles will still have to meet the necessary standards. “Carter stated in that so long as they meet standards “They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars, and direct infantry soldiers in to combat”.

Previously, General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff contended that some combat jobs should stay male-only, reportedlysubmitting a report about five-inches thick outlining why he believes women should not be allowed to compete for certain Marine infantry and front-line jobs.

“We are a joint force and I have chose to make a decision that applies to the entire force”.

Carter stressed the U.S military was a meritocracy that drew its might by getting the best possible people available.

“We commend the secretary and are celebrating his decision”, said Judy Patterson, president of Service Women’s Action Network, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization.

Some of the most high-profile evaluations were carried out by the Army that, for the first time, allowed women to try out for the elite Ranger School.

“There will be no exceptions”, Carter said. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, and Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Republican from Texas, said, “Congress has an essential Constitutional role to make rules for the government and regulation of our nation’s armed forces”. “Today’s change is good for our military and good for our country”, he said in a statement.

Until now, almost 220,000 positions have remained closed to women, Carter said. He said the integration will take place jointly, with all branches of the service included.

Carter noted that assignments will still be made based on ability, not gender, and that equal opportunity still probably won’t mean equal participation. “There must be no quotas or perception thereof”, said Carter.

The decision comes after a review of recommendations from service leaders and military officials submitted earlier this year.

Rep. Susan Davis with some of America’s female troops.

Answering a question from a Marine in Sicily, Carter said, “You have to recruit from the American population”.