Ban Lifted to Allow Women the Chance to Serve in Combat - KHGI-TV/KWNB-TV/KHGI-CD-Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Martin Dempsey announced Thursday that the ban on women in combat has been lifted.

Panetta said not everyone can meet the qualifications to become a combat soldier, but he believes everyone is entitled to the chance.

Woman will have to meet the same, current qualifications as men.

The president has expressed his support for the decision saying, "This milestone reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through more than two centuries of American history and the indispensable role of women in today's military." 

He added, "Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, including more than 150 women who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan—patriots whose sacrifices show that valor knows no gender."