Carter opens combat jobs to women

Defense Secretary Ash Carter this afternoon announced his decision to open all combat positions to women, without exception.

“Our force of the future must continue to benefit from the best people America has to offer,” Carter told reporters at the Pentagon. “This includes women because they make up over 50 percent of the American population. We have to take full advantage of every individual who can meet our standards.”

The services have 30 days to submit their plans for gender integration to the office of the secretary.

Carter's decision was made over objections raised by the Marine Corps, which had sought exceptions. “We are a joint force and I have decided to make a decision which applies to the entire force,” he said.

Following his decision, Carter said, women will now “be able to drive tanks, fire mortars and lead infantry soldiers into combat.”