The move could open hundreds of thousands of front-line positions and elite² commando jobs to women. 

 

It overturns a 1994 rule prohibiting women from being assigned to small ground-combat units.

 

But the military would have until 2016 to argue for any specific posts they think should remained closed to women.

 

The decision is expected to be formally announced on Thursday.

 

 

The senior defence official told the BBC: "This policy change will initiate⁴ a process whereby the services will develop plans to implement⁵ this decision, which was made by the secretary of defense⁶ upon the recommendation of the Joint⁷ Chiefs of Staff."

 

Military chiefs will be asked to report back to Mr Panetta by 15 May on their initial plans to implement the new policy. 

 

Some jobs are expected to be opened to women this year, while others - including for special forces such as the Navy Seals and the Delta⁸ Force - could take longer.

 

This decision could open more than 230,000 combat roles to women, many in infantry⁹ units.

 

Senate armed services committee chairman Carl Levin welcomed the decision.

 

"I support it," he said. "It reflects the reality of 21st Century military operations."

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