Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women serving on the front lines of combat.  The ban was put in place in 1994 and has often been challenged by female members of the armed forces.

The lift on the ban will open up thousands of frontline positions in the infantry and other all-male fighting units like the Navy SEALs.  This action will also allow women to move up the ranks in commando jobs.  The announcement was the result of recommendations made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Currently women make up 14% of the military with 1.4 million on active-duty according to Time Magazine.  What remains unknown if females turning 18-years-old will have to register with the Selective Service in case of a military draft.

Panetta also announced that each branch of the military is expected to deliver a formal plan for the integration of females.