Federal Daily News
DOD to open thousands of military positions to women
The Defense Department announced on Feb. 9 that it will adjust its policies to open 14,325 additional military positions to women.
In a report to Congress, DOD said that occupations will no longer be closed to women solely because those positions are required to be collocated with ground combat units. Additionally, DOD said it will open positions to women “at the battalion level in select direct ground combat units in specific occupations.” The actions make changes to restrictions on the service of women in the military that have been in place since 1994.
“The services will continue to review positions and requirements to determine what additional positions may be opened, ensuring the mission is met with the best qualified and most capable, regardless of gender,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said in a press statement.
“We will continue to open as many positions as possible to women so that anyone qualified to serve can have the opportunity to do so,” Panetta said.