Military to ease restrictions on women in combat

[kpete]

The US military on Thursday will ease some restrictions on women in combat, opening up thousands of jobs that had been off-limits to female soldiers, defense officials said.

The move marks a milestone for the American military, which has lifted prohibitions on women’s roles since the 1970s in incremental steps.

“The department plans tomorrow to open 14,000 jobs that previously had been closed to women in the military,” a senior defense official told AFP.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the change as a first step and that in time, more positions were likely to be available to women.

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http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/02/09/military-to-ease-restrictions-on-women-in-combat/

[CTyankee]

1. Interesting that it happens now, in the middle of this big fight on birth control access for

women!

This will be hailed by all but the most far out right wingers as a victory for women's rights. It shows the stark contrast between the way the RW pushes women backwards and the President expands their ability to work to their fullest capacity.

On a symbolic level, this is enormously important and happens at a great time!