Pentagon to recruit women for all combat roles

The US military will now allow women to apply for all combat roles, despite protests from the Marines.

The US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter ruled on Thursday that all military roles will now be open for women. He said: “As long as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before.

“Even more importantly, our military will be better able to harness the skills and perspectives that talented women have to offer.”

The Republican Jackie Speier was one of the lawmakers hailing the move. She told Time: “We know from all the quality data that women are just as capable and lethal on the battlefield, and many women are already serving their country with pride and distinction.”