Local soldier reacts to women in combat

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in lifting a ban on women serving in combat, said women have become integral to the military's success and have shown they are willing to fight and die alongside their male counterparts.

As unprecedented as the military shift in policy is, one Terre Haute female Army sergeant said women have been serving in combat for years. Major Angelique Averett has even served two tours of duty herself to Afghanistan.

“There were times when some of my male counterparts maybe were sent to a more hostile environment, than what I was allowed to go to,” Averett shared with News 10. “But, as far as our training… (it was) identical training.”

“I’m excited for it,” Averett reacted to the newly amended policy. “I mean, you know – I think the Army leads the way for the most part, in equal opportunities for all.”

Not every combat position will open all at once.

The new policy will be implemented over the next 3 years.