Pentagon chief strongly backs women in combat: 'It is 2024'

Reuters - 04/12
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday strongly backed women serving in the military during an impassioned speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in an apparent dig at President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, who has said he opposes women in combat roles.
WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday strongly backed women serving in the military during an impassioned speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in an apparent dig at President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, who has said he opposes women in combat roles.
While Austin did not specifically mention Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for the job beginning on Jan. 20, he strongly criticized the idea that women should not serve.
In a wide-ranging speech about leadership in the military and current threats facing the United States, Austin recounted serving with women in combat, including during his time in Iraq during the 2003 invasion.
"Everywhere that I've gone on a battlefield, I've seen women fighting for America and they are incredibly capable, incredibl...
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