Athens, GA-  The U.S. military is ending its policy on excluding women from combat. However, not every position will be open all at once. The Department of Defense will enter an “assessment phase” of all of its jobs and units.

Former member of the U.S. Army Conn Oleary says, “Females in front-line units is going to change a lot of things, but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.”

Jarrod Baker, a former sergeant of the Marine Corps, adds, “I’m personally okay with it as long as they can do everything the men can do. As long as the standards are the same across the board.”

The main concern of these former military personnel is how the American public will react.

Baker says, “Seeing women come back with no limbs and body bags… I think it will be difficult for the American public. To see women versus men come back in that grotesque state.”

These changes will not affect ROTC training at a collegiate level.

Reporter: Danielle Barker