Historical About Face For The U.S. Military: Combat Jobs Open To Women

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--A historic change for the American military. Women can serve in any combat role in the U.S. military.

On Thursday, the U.S. Defense Secretary announced the Pentagon's milestone decision.

WJZ's Amy Yensi has the latest.

A historical, about face for the U.S. Military. For the first time ever, all combat roles, will be open to women.

"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," said Ash Carter, U.S. Dept. of Defense Secretary.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter made the announcement Thursday, following a  three-year Pentagon review.

It will allow women to participate in the nation's most elite military units, including special operations forces like the Army Delta units and the Navy Seals. Positions that were previously off limits to them.

Maryland National Guard Kernel, Charles Kohler, says eligibility will now be based on ability not gender.

"The Maryland National Guard has about 18% females and this is a good opportunity for them. It'll give them access to any job opportunities that are out there," said Kohler.

"Even more importantly, our military will be better able to harness the skills and perspectives that talented women have to offer," Carter said.

"A big cheer went up in our office because this is really one of the last official government barriers to women's full opportunity," said Nancy Duff Campbell, co-president, National Women's Law Center.

An opportunity for the strongest candidates of any gender to serve.

Defense Secretary Carter says this is about equal opportunity. There are no quotas or guarantees.

Congress has 30 days to review the change and the armed services has until January first to submit plans to implement it.