(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that women will no longer be barred from serving in certain military positions because of their gender, and all eligibility will be determined by meeting the standards set by military services. The decision was made after a 3-year review by the Department of Defense of all laws and policies governing the assignment of women in the Armed Forces.
“Throughout our history, women have proven time and time again that when given the opportunity, they are up to the task. Serving on the front lines is no different, and I’m so pleased to see the Department of Defense not only carry out this review but also change its policy to reflect the reality that women are already serving in dangerous combat positions across the globe,” said Senator Murray. “Individuals should not be judged by their gender to determine their eligibility to serve, but on their ability to pass rigorous physical tests and on the content of their character. I am glad to see steps being taken, like the announcement today, to ensure we are continuing to train the strongest and most effective armed forces in the world.”
See more information on the Women in Service Review Implementation here.
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