Marines Open Infantry School to Women

For the first time ever, women will be permitted to train as infantry combat officers in the Marine Corps, reports the Military Times, which calls the move "monumental." Until now, women have largely been relegated to support roles such as personnel administration and aircraft maintenance. An unknown number of female volunteers will head to the Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia, this year, where they will learn to command troops in battle.

In addition, enlisted women will soon be able to attend infantry training, though the details are still being worked out. The changes are part of wide-ranging shift by the Marines to find new positions that should be made available to women. About time, writes Cassie Murdoch at Jezebel, who applauds the repealing of the "stupid policy" that barred women from combat roles. "This move is a big deal, and one that is sure to cause plenty of hand-wringing and pearl clutching from those opposed to the 'weaker sex' fighting in combat." (More Marines stories.)