This month, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that all combat positions in the armed forces would now be open to women, but the groundwork for this historic announcement was actually laid nearly three years ago. Since then, the Michigan Army National Guard has been working to bring its female troops up to speed. Current State’s Kevin Lavery talks with two female soldiers to get their perspective.
Women have served in America’s armed forces since World War One, though we sometimes hear legends of women serving in the Civil War and even the American Revolution. Though many American women have seen combat in recent years, they’ve been formally barred from applying for combat-related positions, such as commanding a tank, but the Pentagon now says all occupations will be available to women who qualify.
Current State’s Kevin Lavery reports on how this momentous policy change will impact our troops based in Michigan.