Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces his women in service review during a press brief at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 3, 2015. For the first time in U.S. military history, as long as they qualify and meet specific standards, the secretary said women will be able to contribute to the Defense Department mission with no barriers at all in their way.