Air Force World

摘要

A USAF F-22, French air force Rafale, and a British RAF Typhoon fly in formation during an exercise at JB Langley-Eustice, Va., in early December. The exercise simulated a highly contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment such as in a conflict with advanced nations like Russia and China, so US and partner nation pilots and ground personnel could test their readiness. The Pentagon will open all military jobs to women, Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter announced Dec. 3. "To succeed in our mission of national defense, we cannot afford to cut ourselves off from half the country's talents and skills," Carter said in a press conference at the Pentagon. "We have to take full advantage of every individual who can meet our standards." The policy excluding women from combat roles was rescinded by then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in 2013, who directed that all positions be opened to women by Jan. 1, 2016. However, the Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and the commander of US Special Operations Command were given three years to request exceptions. Carter said about 10 percent of military jobs are still closed to women. The Marine Corps asked to keep some jobs closed, but Carter said he chose to make a decision that applies across the joint force.