Defense Secretary Wants Military To Open All Combat Jobs To Women

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) - Defense Secretary Ash Carter will order the military to open all combat jobs to women, according to a published report Thursday.

The Associated Press said Carter is giving the armed services until Jan. 1 to submit plans to make the historic change.

An official announcement is expected Thursday afternoon.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman has argued that the Marine Corps should be allowed to exclude women from certain front-line combat jobs, citing studies showing that mixed-gender units aren't as capable as all-male units.

A senior defense official told the AP all the services will have to begin putting plans in place by April 1.

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