Combat roles should open to women who want them

Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the Joint Chiefs of Staff to tell him which combat roles should remain closed to female service members by requiring the Chiefs to provide documentation to justify the exclusions. Current Pentagon rules block the advancement of 1st Lt. Shaye Haver and Capt. Kristen Griest from becoming active duty members of the elite U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment.

It is pathetic congressional oversight is required to open doors these two courageous women have already opened. Meanwhile as the Pentagon analyzes these restrictions, female Army Rangers cannot advance their careers. Other closures of jobs such as most armor, infantry, and artillery positions inhibit the possibility that we may someday have a female general officer such as our combat-proven heroes Omar Bradley or Dwight Eisenhower.

These doors will open. Women will rise to fulfill dreams and aspirations regardless of the seemingly overwhelming odds against them. Forging ahead based on sheer determination is the common denominator great women such as Hillary Clinton, Capt. Griest and Lt. Haver share. Courage is a gift that young American women must develop to overcome exclusions and socio-economic oppression. Gender, skin color, age, and availability of opportunities should not be a barrier to success.

Hillary Clinton will level the playing field so women can achieve goals rightfully earned. Why does our society continue to marginalize accomplishments and set limitations on the future of our young women?

Our military is changing but all too slowly. When Hillary becomes our first female President, the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be forced to salute her. Yes, that is right. Salute a woman.

This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 8:42 AM with the headline "Combat roles should open to women who want them."