Armed Forces News

Defense Secretary Ash Carter has authorized the services to begin allowing women to serve in any billets for which they qualify. “Integration provides equal opportunity for men and women who can perform the tasks required,” Carter said. “It does not guarantee women will be promoted at any specific number or at any set rate.” The formal approval, issued March 10, culminates a process that began in 2011 when then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta began the move to end gender-based restrictions.