Pentagon Opening Navy SEALs, Army Rangers to Women

As early as June 18, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is expected to announce that the Pentagon is opening the Navy SEALs and the U.S. Army Rangers to women.

Although the timeline for incorporating women into the teams is still under review, The Hill reports SEALs will begin allowing enlistment first, as early as next month. The Army expects to have adjusted their training requirements to fit women by July 2015.

The SEALs have long been associated with secret combat and counter-terrorism operations. SEAL Team Six will forever be remembered as those who carried out the daring night raid to kill Osama bin Laden. 

The Army Rangers “specialize in small-unit combat tactics [and] airborne assault operations,” and are viewed as the “main entryway into Army Special forces.”

All female units, “known as Female Engagement Teams, already work alongside American regular and special forces to train and equip U.S.-backed local militias in Afghanistan.”

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.