Armed Forces News

All female service members will be allowed to serve in any military occupation for which they are qualified, beginning in January. In making the announcement Dec. 3, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said, “They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars and lead infantry soldiers into combat.” The assimilation of women into once-closed areas will carry certain stipulations:

* “Improved force effectiveness” will be a primary factor.
* There will be no quotas
* The physical differences between men and women will be considered.
* Pentagon leadership will remain cognizant of perceptions that gender-integrated units could affect unit cohesion and combat effectiveness adversely.
* There will be heavy focus on the effectiveness of small teams.
* Cultural differences among allies who do not allow integration of the sexes will be taken into consideration.