Secretary Of Defense Orders Military To Open Combat Positions To Women

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Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Thursday ordered every branch of the military to open all combat jobs to women.

Based on studies conducted over the past three years by both civilian and military leaders, Carter decided that the integration of women into all positions in the military for which they are qualified.

Of all the branches of the military, only the Marine Corps sought an exception to removing the long-held ban on women in combat jobs, arguing that an integration of those units would affect "military readiness."

Carter denied that integration would negatively affect readiness, instead saying that limiting the number of qualified military personnel based on gender is in fact what impedes readiness.

"Everyone in uniform has to meet [military] standards, and everyone who meets those standards should have the full and equal opportunity to serve their country," Carter said at a White House press conference announcing the change. "Now more than ever we cannot afford to have barriers limiting our access to our nation's talent."

Carter outlined seven guidelines for the implementation of the integration, most of which emphasized placing the talent and "effectiveness" of the individual above all else, implementation of integration and cooperation within small teams, and the strict avoidance of developing quotas for the number of women on a team.

The order will become effective in 30 days, Carter said.

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Later on Thursday, President Obama released a statement commending Carter for his decision, and assuring the American people that this change would make the military even stronger – as it became after desegregation and the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

The world is that we draw on the talents and skills of our people. When we desegregated our military, it became stronger. In recent years, we ended "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allowed gay and lesbian Americans to serve openly -- and it's made our military stronger. Over recent decades, we've opened about 90 percent of military positions to women who time and again have proven that they, too, are qualified, ready and up to the task. In the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, our courageous women in uniform have served with honor, on the front lines -- and some have given their very lives.

Today, the Defense Department is taking another historic step forward by opening up the remaining 10 percent of military positions, including combat roles, to women. As Commander in Chief, I know that this change, like others before it, will again make our military even stronger. Our armed forces will draw on an even wider pool of talent. Women who can meet the high standards required will have new opportunities to serve. I know that, under the leadership of Secretary Carter and Chairman Dunford, our men and women in uniform will implement this transition -- as they have others -- in a responsible manner that maintains military readiness and the unparalleled professionalism and strength of our armed forces. Together, we're going to make sure our military remains the finest fighting force in the history of the world, worthy of all our patriots who serve -- men and women.

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