Sen. Ayotte Supports Pentagon Lifting Ban On Women In Combat

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Credit Chris jensen for NHPR

Sen. Kelly Ayotte

  U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte says she is pleased the Pentagon is lifting its ban on women serving in combat roles.

Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the announcement "reflects the increasing role that female service members play in securing our country.”

The decision overturns a rule enacted in 1994 by the Pentagon that kept women from serving in combat roles.

Ayotte says she has seen firsthand servicemen and women working together in a range of dangerous operations.

She says she is glad military service leaders will be providing guidance as the policy change is implemented.