SANTA MARIA - The Pentagon has announced an historic policy change it says will bring gender equality to the U.S. Military.
"Its clear to all of us, that women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military's mission of defending the nation", said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta at a press conference announcing women will now be allowed to serve in combat if they are qualified.
Panetta stressed there will be no lowering of physical and mental testing standards and other measures military trainers and evaluators use to determine combat readiness.
"If they are qualified for the job, they should be allowed to serve regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation", Panetta added.
"I thought it was cool", says first year community college student Naomi Nodwall who says she's thinking about a career in the military, "its almost sexist to think that we're weaker and say we can't do what the men can do."
College campuses have long been fertile grounds for military recruitment and its where this historic military policy change is being warmly received.
"I think if women want to (serve in combat) they should be allowed to", adds college student Alex Hudson who says she too considered joining the military.
A military recruiter tells Central Coast News he does not expect the policy change to affect how he does business, adding the focus remains on finding the person who is right to serve in the military.
Those in everyday life says its a policy change that is long overdue.
"Demi Moore did it", says Sharon Amott with a laugh, "its fine if women in the military are in administrative roles or working in the office, but if they choose to be in combat they should be allowed to, they have been waiting for this for a long time."
"We want equal rights, isn't that what its all about", adds Penny Allen Andrade.
"Not just the in military but in any job", adds Dolly Motley, "if the woman can do it just as good as the man she should get it, her gender shouldn't matter."
Women currently make up about 15 percent of all active-duty military.
The Pentagon expects to phase in the policy change between now and 2016.
