It’s a historic step; that’s what Captain Jodi Marti has to says about Defense Secretary Leon Panetta removing the ban on women in combat. Marti is an Afghanistan veteran and a member of the Marion County Veterans Affairs Commission.

She says the process has been a slow one, but adds it should be. Change, Marti says, is difficult, and in order to sustain change, it must be approached with a solid plan as to not cause unnecessary concern on any of the parties involved. She says that finally, women will be in fact recognized and validated for the fights they have fought.

Panetta officially lifted the ban Thursday. Military branches will have around four months to inform Panetta of implementation plans. Some special operation forces may apply for exemptions over the next three years.