At the beginning of the year, the rule banning women from serving in combat jobs was lifted. When Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made this decision, a big step in recognizing the equality of women to men was made.

“I personally think it’s a fair choice,” junior Simran Prasai said. “Men and women should be treated equally.”

Women have become more equal in the military not only in the sense that they will be able to rise to positions formerly occupied only by males, but also in the sense that they will receive recognition for their service. The lifting of the ban will make the United States one of the few developed countries in which women are allowed to serve in combat.

“I believe the military will do what is best for the military,” JROTC teacher Major (R) John Napoli, Jr. said. “There will be costs involved, but they have the millions of dollars to make it work.”

Many Americans, including President Barack Obama, agrees with the decision as well. However, the number of women in the military compared to the number of men is quite low.

“About 12% of the members in the military are women,” Staff Sergeant Bradford Orlich said.

However, Orlich predicts that the numbers will go up because the lifting of the ban will open up hundreds of additional jobs on the front line for women.

“More women will definitely join the military,” junior Joshua Canoy said. “The Army or whatever branch is lifting the ban is going to have more members overall. That’s a positive thing.”

Prasai predicts that the growing numbers of females will not be the only change in the military.

“New ideas will be brought out with a different gender being present,” Prasai said. “It may take some time to adjust to the change but eventually it will be like any other thing.”

Not everyone will be able to snag a combat role though, since gender-neutral performance standards will have to be met in order for women to enter the new positions available. However, if they meet the qualifications, they will be able to serve in the opening spots.

“The ban lift will stir the viewpoint of people who think that women aren’t ‘strong’ enough and cannot do the saving,” Prasai said.

Some people argue that women do not have the mental or physical ability to serve in ground combat units. Other critics worry that physical standards might be lowered in order for women to be able to qualify. There is still a decision to be made on how rigorous the physical requirements will be, though the demands of the actual position will have an effect.

“It’s the same team, same fight,” Orlich said. “We both try to bring the same stuff to the Army.”

Many people will have a changed view of females now that they are able to serve in combat positions.

“Nobody has limits anymore,” Canoy said. “They’re finally treating women equally in the Army and the other branches. It has given me a vision that everyone is finally equal despite gender.”