** FILE ** Joints Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. (Associated Press) more >Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made comments at a Pentagon press conference on Thursday that will undoubtedly be used by critics of the decision to open up combat roles to women.
When a reporter mentioned that the Pentagon’s stance appeared to keep open the possibility that some occupational specialties would be off limits to females, Gen. Dempsey responded: “[I]f we do decide that a particular standard is so high that a woman couldn’t make it, the burden is now on the service to come back and explain to the secretary, why is it that high? Does it really have to be that high?”
CNS News reports that the policy shift by the Defense Department could potentially open up 230,000 positions to female service members.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Taking a deeper look at the undeniable connection between mind and body from a writer and speaker on matters of health, and a practitioner of Christian Science.
A carefully guided tour through the confusing world of modern bookselling and publishing.
Tea Party blasts IRS
22 Photos
Frederick Douglass statue unveiled
17 Photos
World's Ugliest Dog Contest
26 Photos
Spelling Bee finale
45 Photos
Marines train Afghan soldiers
4 Photos
Rolling Thunder 2013
24 Photos
