ARMY’S BAN ON WOMEN IN FRONT LINE COMBAT ROLES TO BE LIFTED

Britain is lifting a ban on women serving in front line combat roles in the army “as soon as possible,” Prime Minister David Cameron announced Friday.

“It is vital that our armed forces ... reflect the society we live in,” he said in a statement. “Lifting this ban is a major step. It will ensure the armed forces can make the most of all their talent.”

Until now, British women have been able to serve as fighter pilots, sailors and submariners but not in infantry or armoured corps units whose primary role is close-quarters combat.