Rochester, N.Y. - Marci MacLaren has served in the United States Army for 26 years.
She returned from a tour in Iraq in 2011 as a logistician, helping with supplies and services.
MacLaren says she's pleased women’s roles in the military have been acknowledged.
“I believe that the standards should be set forth for everyone equally and I believe there are women out there that can meet those standards,” said MacLaren, a Lt. Col. with the U.S. Army Reserves.
Gwendolyn Shepard has mixed feelings.
“For me I wouldn't want to do it because I have children and would like to see them grow, but by the same token, we've fought for equality and wanting to do the same thing that men are allowed to do," Shepard said.
But both women say they'll answer the call when called upon.
While some critics argue that men and women fighting side by side leaves more room for distraction, Shepard says that's not the case.
“If you're a professional and you like what you're doing and you know your job, there shouldn't be a distraction,” Shepard said.
“I'm looking forward to the future of women being out there and serving right along with males right on the front lines and I believe that there are women that are very capable of doing so," MacLaren said.
All military branches will review any current exclusions of women. They'll look over current standards and requirements set and make their case to the Department of Defense about why a woman can or cannot fill a roll.
Personnel can specify exclusions but they must be justified. They have until May of 2013 to submit those plans.
The process should be complete by 2016.
