For the first time, women in the armed forces will be moved into combat roles. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will make the official announcement Thursday.
Last week, the Pentagon decided open up thousands of near-the-front-line military jobs to female military personnel who were previously restricted from such roles.
Women are still banned from combat, although this move to put them closer to harm’s way has upset some, including Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, who said that when women are too close to the front line “emotions” could