The U.S. Department of Defense has signed an order eliminating most limits on women fighting for their country. Although women have been fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan for more than a decade, this new order opens many jobs to women that previously were closed to them.

“This is a momentous occasion for all women who have bravely served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Lindsey Sin, CalVet Deputy Secretary for Women Veterans Affairs. “To lift the combat exclusion policy means greater equality for women in the Armed Forces and formally recognizes the commitment and sacrifice they have made for this country.”

Women make up about 14 percent of the 1.4 million active U.S. military personnel.