SOUND OFF: Should Women Serve in Combat?

The Pentagon made a historic move Thursday when it lifted its ban against women serving in combat, according to USA Today. 

A 1994 restriction prevented women in the military from serving in combat, including service on the front lines. However, many argued, including the American Civil Liberties Union, that reality showed women already serving on the front lines. 

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Armed Services Committee who strongly supports the historic change, issued the following statement after the announcement. 

“I applaud the Secretary for formally removing the ban," Reed said. "The reality of today’s battlefield is that all who serve are in combat.”

The military's lift of the ban opens up  230,000 posts to women in the military, according to USA Today. 

I wanted to know what you thought about the military's decision to lift the ban. 

On Portsmouth Patch's Facebook page, I asked, "Do you think women should serve in combat?" Here's what a few users had to say: 

Alan Herman: Women have fought for equal rights for years. This is a major step in the right direction for all women.

Jane Wolk Wheeler: It's not just about "serving in combat". It's about it being "official" so they can advance their careers. Many women are already in what are essentially combat positions, but not officially designated as such. They need this to be able to move up in the ranks of the military as men do.

Deb Cotta Natale: Yes...if they join the military and get all the great benefits they definitely should that is part of it right?!

What do you think about the military lifting the ban? Tell us in the comment section below!