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January 23rd, 2013
11:20 PM ET

Duckworth: Women can defend the country as well as men

Outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected to announce a lifting of the ban on women serving in combat. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, a U.S. veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, says female troops in Iraq and Afghanistan proved women should have combat roles. Anderson Cooper spoke with her, John King, and Margaret Hoover about the groundbreaking decision and the politics behind the policy change.

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Filed under: Military
soundoff (3 Responses)
  1. Mark

    Women should be held to the same physical standards as men. If some 150lb soldier is injured and cannot move, who would be more capable of carrying the soldier to safety: A man or woman? Ever seen a female firefighter carry someone down stairs, or a ladder?

    Another thing that concerns me is male and female soldiers forming relationships. If a soldier's girlfriend is in danger, he might neglect another soldier who is in an equal or greater amount of danger.

    I also agree with Timothy Smith. Women should be required to sign-up for conscription.

    January 29, 2013 at 12:02 am |
  2. Timothy Smith

    I support women's right to fight in combat. However does this mean that women will now register with selective service? No one seems to be discussing this. It seems equal opportunity for combat service, promotion and pay should come the responsibility of all women to serve if called, just like men. What do you think Anderson?

    January 24, 2013 at 10:21 pm |
  3. larry spizzirri

    Duckworth is a true hero for the sacrifice she made for our safety. She knows what she is talking about and will make a great Senator.

    January 24, 2013 at 1:55 pm |
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