Each of the four services this week submitted implementation plans to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel detailing how to integrate women into combat roles, Defense Department spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen told the Daily Report on May 16. Christensen said DOD is “conducting a thorough review” of the plans, received on May 15, and anticipates submitting its proposal to Congress later this summer. “It would be inappropriate to discuss the content of those recommendations, or speculate on any decisions the Secretary may come to subsequent to the review,” he said. “The successful integration of women into currently closed positions requires the department to be thoughtful and deliberate in determining the next steps,” he said. The Pentagon announced in late January plans to open more combat roles to women. Unlike the other services, most Air Force specialty codes already are open to women, except for some special operations positions.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
