At a press conference Thursday announcing the lift of the military’s ban on women in combat roles, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said it is time for U.S. policies to reflect the “reality” that men and women in the military are “fighting” and “dying” together.
“Every time I visited the war zone, every time I’ve met with troops, reviewed military operations and talked to wounded warriors, I have been impressed with the fact that everyone, everyone, men and women alike, everyone is committed to doing the job,” Panetta said. “They’re fighting and they’re dying together. And the time has come for our policies to recognize that reality.
