Defense Chief Leon Panetta Lifts Ban on Women in Combat

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Defense Chief Leon Panetta Lifts Ban on Women in Combat

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Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta hands the memorandum he has just signed ending the 1994 ban on women serving in combat to Army Lt. Col. Tamatha Patterson during a press briefing at the Pentagon.

Cliff Owen/AP
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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta smiles as Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey gestures during a news conference at the Pentagon where Panetta announced he is lifting a ban on women serving in combat.

Cliff Owen/AP
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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta signs a memorandum ending the 1994 ban on women serving in combat roles in the military at the Pentagon.

Cliff Owen/AP
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Capt. Sara Rodriguez, 26, of the 101st Airborne Division, carries a litter of sandbags during the Expert Field Medical Badge training at Fort Campbell, Ky. The Pentagon lifting its ban on women serving in combat, opens thousands of front-line positions and potentially elite commando jobs.

Kristin M. Hall/AP
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Female soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, train on a firing range while testing new body armor in Fort Campbell, Ky., in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan.

Mark Humphrey/AP
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Female Marine Corps recruits wait for a turn to shoot on the rifle range in Parris Island, S.C. The Pentagon lifting its ban on women serving in combat, opens thousands of front-line positions and potentially elite commando jobs.

Scott Olson/Getty Images
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United States Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jason Itro yells at recruit Nancy Carbins after she grabbed another recruit in the pool in an attempt to stay afloat during swim training in Parris Island, S.C.

Stephen Morton/Getty Images
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United States Marine Corps female recruits crawl for cover during a obstacle test course called The Crucible at boot camp on Parris Island, S.C.

Stephen Morton/Getty Images
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