By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
The lines of war are blurry at times.
Even though women are not supposed to serve on the front lines, it has happen.
Perhaps no one knows that better than Ashley Hanson with the 185th Iowa Air National Guard Refueling Wing.
"I've been there and done it. It was on my own accord, and I volunteered to do so," said Hanson.
But now that's changing.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta announced that the military will lift its ban on women serving in combat roles.
"Everyone, men and women alike. Everyone is committed to doing their job. They're fighting and dying together. The time has come for our policies to face that reality," Panetta said.
After a 1994 rule restricted women from being assigned to front lines and elite combat divisions, the lift will officially allow women to now serve in infantry units and Special Forces.
The change will open close to 230,000 positions, which some say is a change that could open many doors.
"It just gives people more opportunities to expand their careers or make higher rank," said Dan Roupe, Recruiting Office Supervisor for the 185th.
Each branch of the military will have until January 2016 to make the changes.
