Some combat jobs will be available this year
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is set to announce the lifting of the ban on women in serving in front-line combat.
The move will open many combat jobs for women in the military who have been restricted to non-combat roles. The Pentagon says many jobs will become available immediatly but some require an assessment period. Assessments will be done for jobs in elite groups like the Navy SEALs or the Army's Delta Force.
Retired Army General Bill McClain says the removal of the ban reflects society, and the will of young people who make up the vast majority of military personnel.
The recommendation for the removal was made to the Defense Department by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The move could open over 230,000 jobs for women in the military, many in Army and Marine infantry units.
