Miami Valley weighs in on ban lifted

FAIRBORN, Ohio (WDTN) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey,
formally lifted the ban on women serving in combat positions Thursday.

"It's clear to all of us that women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military's mission in defending the nation," said Panetta, after signing the policy.

The change would open hundreds of thousands of front-line positions and potentially elite commando jobs to women, but it won't happen overnight.  Military leaders have until mid-May to submit their recommendations, and until 2016 to make it happen.

2News Reporter Alexa Ashwell contacted Air Force Pentagon officials on the matter.

A spokesperson reported since 1993, all Air Force combat aircraft have been open to women.  The following year, 99% of all positions became open to women.

The 1% closed as of 2013 included both direct ground combat or special operations positions.

- Combat Control Officer/Combat Rescue/Special Tactics Officer: 139
- Special Operations Weather Officer: 19
- Enlisted Combat Controller: 609
- Enlisted Tactical Air Command and Control: 1,771
- Enlisted Pararescue:  566
- Enlisted Special Operations Weather: 131

Wright Patterson Air Force base officials did not comment on the lifted ban; however, off camera two employees of the base said they were okay with the idea as long as the woman is qualified for the job.

The majority of residents throughout the Miami Valley were also on board with the Secretary of Defense's decision.

"Women have already been doing a ton of  stuff in combat arenas and now they are getting the recognition they deserve and a career advancement," said Theresa Hayes of Dayton.

"Several women in my family have served in the military," said Risi Cummings, of Xenia.  "I know they would be happy the ban has been lifted."

"Its not about gender, its about qualification," said Danny Howell, who is from Dayton.  "If a woman is qualified for the job and she wants to do it, let her."