Jessica Lynch, ex-prisoner of war, on women in combat
Lynch was 19 when she was captured in Iraq after her Army unit took a wrong turn and came under attack in 2003. She was rescued after nine days.
Jessica Lynch is seen in 2007.
Mark Henle/The Arizona Republic/AP
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia
Former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch says it's good news that the U.S. military will now allow women to serve in combat roles.
Lynch was 19 when she was captured in Iraq after her Army unit took a wrong turn and came under attack in 2003. She was rescued after nine days.
Lynch urges Americans to push U.S. officials to ensure both male and female soldiers have proper training and equipment.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Thursday announced the change, saying that allowing women to fill combat roles will strengthen the U.S. military's ability to win wars.
But military leaders must decide which, if any, jobs will still be open only to men.