Panel: Women OK in Combat Units

In yet another substantial social change to the armed forces following the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a military advisory commission is recommending the Pentagon reverse their policy banning women from serving in combat units. Though women make up about 14 percent of the armed forces, including 225,000 of the roughly 2.2 million troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have been relegated to combat support roles—such as medics and logistics officers—and prohibited from serving in direct combat. The Military Leadership Diversity Commission is expected to send its report to Congress and President Obama in the spring, recommending that the combat-barring policy be eliminated “to create a level playing field for all qualified service members.”