Rep. Johnson statement on Secretary Carter’s announcement to open all combat positions to women

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Hank Johnson released the following statement on the announcement that Secretary Carter will allow for all military positions to be open to women:

“I am in full support of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s announcement today that the military will be opening all combat roles in each branch of the U.S. military to women,” said Johnson.

“Since 1975, women have attended our prestigious military academies. Since 1993, they have flown our fighter jets and served on our combat ships. Women soldiers served on combat throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and in some cases paid the ultimate price for their service.

“And earlier this year, two women made history as the first female soldiers to complete the Army's Ranger School.

“The announcement today is simply a natural step forward in including women in all our military ranks, and represents progress toward achieving full equality in our Armed Forces.”