On January 24, the Pentagon signed an order opening all ground-combat military positions to women. Women make up about 14% of the 1.4 million active military personnel. In the past, women could serve in combat zones only in support roles, such as doctors or police. But with the new order, women would be allowed to fight on the front lines. The change would open up more than 230,000 jobs. "Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier," said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. "But everyone is entitled to a chance."

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