Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is forcefully endorsing having women in combat roles and emphasizing the military’s obligation to defend the U.S. Constitution.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told West Point cadets the women he had witnessed in combat had been "incredibly" capable, competent and brave.

Trump's Pentagon pick Hegseth has said he was opposed to having women in combat roles. Read more at straitstimes.com.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday strongly backed women serving in the military during an impassioned speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in an apparent dig at President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon,