Women in combat, at home and abroad (PHOTOS)
A Canadian female soldier takes part in a training exercise in July 2007 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre (JMRC) near the southern German town of Hohenfels. Since a 1989 tribunal order, women have become more fully integrated into the Canadian military, serving in combat and commanding large infantry units.
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced on January 24 that the military ban on women in combat roles would officially be lifted.
"Our military is more capable, and our force is more powerful, when we use all of the great diverse strengths of the American people," said Panetta, according to the Associated Press.
GlobalPost decided to take a look at women in combat around the world.
More on GlobalPost: Leon Panetta announces women will be allowed to serve in combat roles
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