Sen. Scott Brown urges Pentagon to allow women to serve in combat

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) sent a letter Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta on Wednesday in which he called on the Pentagon to drop a ban on women serving in combat positions. 

"I believe women should be able to serve in front line positions if they desire," wrote Brown, citing his own 32 years of experience as a National Guardsman.

Brown went on to suggest that it is unfair to prevent female soldiers from serving in combat roles because their lack of combat experience can slow their rise through the military ranks.

"Closing these opportunities to women affect their ability to develop a career path in the military and advance to higher ranks," wrote Brown. "We have an obligation to expand the professional opportunities available to women, especially considering their sacrifices."

Brown's letter to Panetta comes shortly after the Department of Defense made several more dangerous jobs in the military open to women. The decision, announced in early February, allows women to serve as medics and radio operators in segments of the military that often fight near or on the front lines. Women, however, are still prevented from serving in the infantry or Special Forces. 

---