Sgt. Michallie Wesley speaking at an interactive discussion on "Women Serving in Combat" at Camp Liberty, Iraq, on Mar. 16, 2011 (United States Forces Iraq/Creative Commons).

The policy will make women eligible to serve as infantrymen on combat patrol and elite special operations units like the Navy SEALS, CBS News reported. Though some jobs may open this year, special operations forces like the SEALS and the Army’s Delta Force may take longer.

Military services will have until January 2016 to seek special exceptions if they believe any positions must remain closed to women, the Associated Press reported. Military chiefs must report their initial implementation plans to Panetta by May 15. 

According to USA Today, women comprise 14 percent of the 1.4 million active military personnel. 

Reach Executive Producer Agnus Dei Farrant here.