http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/fox-news-sunday-chris-wallace/2013/01/27/retired-us-officers-react-pentagon-lifting-ban-women-combat/printRetired US officers react to Pentagon lifting the ban on women in combat
Written by Chris Wallace / Published January 27, 2013 / Fox News Sunday
Special Guests: Ret. Colonel Martha McSally, Ret. Lieutenant General Jerry Boykin, Sen. Bob Corker, Sen. Dick Durbin
The following is a rush transcript of the January 27, 2013, edition of "Fox News Sunday With Chris Wallace." This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.
CHRIS WALLACE, HOST: I'm Chris Wallace.
The Pentagon lifts the ban on women in combat.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE (voice-over): As the gender barrier falls, there are still questions -- whether women should serve in the infantry and special operations. We'll hear from two retired officers, Air Force Colonel Martha McSally, the first female U.S. combat pilot, and, Army Lieutenant General Jerry Boykin.
(on camera): Then, with the pageantry over, now comes the hard part -- dealing with the nation's big issues.
(voice-over): From our debt to gun violence, to getting America back to work, is Congress ready to act?
We'll get the latest from two top senators -- Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican Bob Corker.
(on camera): Plus, the president uses his inaugural address to push a liberal agenda.
(voice-over): We'll ask our Sunday panel how Mr. Obama is likely to do in his second term.
And, our power player of the week: a student of the ways presidents exercise power.
All, right now, on "Fox News Sunday."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WALLACE: And hello, again, from Fox News in Washington.
American women in the military have served on the front lines for years. And 152 have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. But when Defense Secretary Panetta lifted the ban on women in combat, his decision, this week, drew strong praise and sharp criticism.
We have brought together two distinguished veterans to discuss the issue.
Colonel Martha McSally was our nation's first female combat pilot, logging 325 hours in the skies over Iraq and Afghanistan and she joins us from Tucson.
Lieutenant General Jerry Boykin was one of the original members of the Army's Delta Force and former head of the U.S. Special Forces Command.
Colonel, General, welcome to "Fox News Sunday." I have to say, I have been looking forward to this discussion.
RET. LIEUTENANT GENERAL JERRY BOYKIN: Thank you very much, Chris.
RET. COLONEL MARTHA MCSALLY: So have I. Thanks for having us on.
WALLACE: Right. Here's how Defense Secretary Panetta explained his decision this week. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEON PANETTA, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier. But, everyone is entitled to a chance.
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