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. 

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

On Facebook we asked, "Do you think women should serve in combat?" Here's what users had to say on Attleboro Patch's Facebook Page:

Maura McGowan: If they want to, why not?

Susan HalseyBelton Singer: Nobody's child should have to serve in combat. :( Having said that it's a personal decision of course.

Tina Ristaino Schwab: If that's what they want then yes! They are signing up to serve, so let them. I know some women who are tougher than most guys.

Briana Auclair: I wouldn't, and I'm an Army Veteran. Not out of lack of fear. I know my squad would put my safety over the mission because of my gender because they were raised gentlemen. Also, women are graded on a scale when it comes to physical tests (PT) and I believe that a woman should have to carry every pound a man does, do every push up and sit up they do and run as fast as their male counterparts. I want no special treatment. Simply fact, there are few women who can carry 300lbs (The average soldier is roughly 210-225lbs with 70 to 80lbs of gear.) If I can't dead lift my Battle in full battle rattle than I don't deserve to stand next to him. Do I think we can be snipers? Most definitely. I served with 10 Expert marksmen (36 or more out of 40, 40/40 being a perfect score.) Only 2 were male and only one of the females scored lower than 38/40. Three were perfect scores.

John Cobbett-Walden: They already do. This is a simply a formal recognition that will allow for equal promotion.

Jennifer Vincent-Scott: My husband is in the Army and has done 3 tours...As stated above Woman (some not all) already serve in combat it is just not formally recognized. And I agree let woman serve in combat and it should be equal, however if were going to say allowing this to formally happen will make men and woman equal in the armed forces then we are wrong...Starting with fitness standards. If they are aloowed to serve on the front line and in combat, woman should be held to the same fitness standards as the men they will serve right along side with!

And here's what folks said on the Seekonk Patch Facebook Page:

Michael Leary: I dont think anyone should serve in combat. A full drone army!

Mike Tucker: Yes. Only women- they are much more fierce;)

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