This move has been recommended by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and will overturn a 1994 ban on woman in combat areas.
Some front-line positions may be open to women this year. While other positions including special operation forces such as the Navy SEALS and the Army's Delta force may take longer to open. Panetta gave the military until January 2016 to seek exemptions for any positions officials believe should remain closed to women.
Women compose approximately 14 percent of the U.S. military. This decision will open 230,000 jobs to qualified women in Army and Marine infantry units.
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