Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Future soliders excited for new options women will have in the military
Posted: 01.24.2013 at 5:41 PM
Updated: 01.24.2013 at 5:45 PM
Rob Starkey

Rob Starkey joined WACH Fox in 2008. During his years at WACH Fox, Rob has worn many hats in the newsroom including reporter, director, and sports anchor.

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"Getting the news, it was like, yes, I just don't have to settle for any job," said Davis.  / Rob Starkey
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COLUMBIA (WACH) - Dorothy Davis and Jaguar Palmer are seniors at Lower Richland High School.

For the past four years they've been members of junior ROTC; both are looking for careers in the military.

This week's news that women will be allowed to take combat roles is exciting to the students.

"Getting the news, it was like, yes, I just don't have to settle for any job," said Davis.

The announcement by defense secretary Leon Panetta that he is lifting a ban on women serving in combat, is exactly what Palmer was hoping to hear.

"I feel that women are just as qualified and can be trained just as well as men to do combat," said Palmer .

One of the jobs she wants requires combat training.

"I want to do the drill team in the military but you have to be in the combat position to do the drill team ,so now that's an option for me," adds Palmer .

These future soldiers say now is a great time to allow women into combat positions, and they're glad military officials say qualifications will not be reduced for those roles.

"Now that you know we're becoming more independent in this day in age, it's becoming more of an option for us so now I feel it's the right time," adds Davis .

The two high school seniors say it's important to have a woman's input because they can offer a different perspective. 

"Sometimes, you know, men can be a bit head strong and they don't want to listen to others, so sometimes a female can help calm them down. It can be an advantage in combat for us," said Palmer.

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