Vt. Army Nat’l Guard combat units open to women

(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 4:47 PM PT – Friday, April 30, 2021

Vermont became the first state in the country to allow women in all combat units of the state’s Army National Guard. The National Guard Bureau recently gave authorization for the guard’s First Squadron, 172nd Cavalry and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

All combat units in the Vermont Army National Guard are now open to women! I’ll have the full story tonight at 6. @WVNYWFFF pic.twitter.com/FxBybao4f1

— Dana Casullo (@DanaCasullo) April 30, 2021

86th Brigade Commander Colonel Brey Hopkins said there was “no doubt” in his mind that including women in combat units will strengthen the guard’s fighting force.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the inclusion of women in our units makes us a more effective fighting force.” The @VTNationalGuard is the first to open all combat arms units within its organization to the recruitment of women. https://t.co/HUkHz5z0a6

— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) April 29, 2021

Officials said the Vermont National Guard will continue to broaden their diversity and inclusion in the organization.

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