An announcement this week that women would no longer be banned from military combat got a rise out of Patch readers who shared their sometimes surprising opinions on our Facebook pages.
"I think women should have the option. Not many will choose it, but I think saying that they couldn't isn't right."
"It is a bad idea. Women need to stop trying to be men and men stop trying to be women. We are made different for a reason. To deny reality is to deny the truth. Women carry children. Do they really think it is okay to put innocence in combat situations? I swear women have been brainwashed by the liberal news media and have no logical brains left."
"Absolutely a good step forward. The key here is everyone has to be trained and held to the same standards. If a woman can and wants to choose infantry in the military she should have the same opportunity as a man."
"How rational will they be during PMS? I know I wasn't rational during those times. To deny hormones, is to deny reality. I would be crying my eyes out if I had to shot someone during that time of month. Women are unreliable certain times of the month. This doesn't even consider cramps. What about yeast infections from wearing all the equipment necessary to fight? Feminists are ridiculous."
Ordered by outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, the historic change is likely to put more women into direct combat in Afghanistan and in any future conflicts, reported the Huffington Post.
The military still has to determine whether all positions can be open to women. Armed services will be expected to submit plans and recommendations by May 15 in order for the changes to be in place by Jan. 1, 2016, reported NBC News.
Some jobs may be available as early as this year but others will take longer, reported the Associated Press.
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