Michelle Howard becomes first female admiral in U.S. Navy.
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And it was warranted, too, given how women in the military have proven themselves in recent years in a variety of roles that placed them in combat zones even if they were not technically combat troops. Until now, women have been restricted from serving in combat positions below brigade level due mainly to the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule.
“Women are just as well as men and they are just as equal”, Marine veteran Thomas Simpson said.
“This means that, as long as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before”, he said.
Women “can drive tanks”, “shoot mortar” be members of the special forces as “the Green Berets or Navy Seals” “or conduct” nfantry soldiers in battle, he has said.
“Women are just as proud and honorable to serve in the Marine Corps as the men, you know”, Wyckoff said.
Carter said the move reflected the need to draw talent from the entire population to best serve the needs of modern military.
Women can now serve in military combat units.
“The military will have 30 days to open the positions and draft plans on how to include women in the force”.
Carter expressed confidence that the policy could be implemented successfully and individual members of the military would be judged on their merits, not their gender.
The defense secretary acknowledged that he had not acted on the request of the Marines to reserve certain positions to men.
“Today, I’m announcing my decision not to make continued exceptions, that is, to proceed with opening all these remaining occupations and positions to women”, said Carter”.
Carter said the change fits with the military’s values. “My decision is my decision”.
The US military has about 15% women in its workforce.
“We’re going to work with Congress to look at that analysis, to review it, to get others’ opinions and determine if additional reforms or changes are necessary in light of this decision”, Earnest said.
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President Barack Obama’s administration in 2013 asked for all combat positions to be open to women by 2016, including the infantry, artillery, armour and special forces.
