Photo: Dennis Brack-Pool
Julia Pierson: First woman Director of the Secret Service
On March of 2013, President Obama named Julia Pierson as the first female Director of the Secret Service. Pierson, formerly the Service’s chief of staff will take over for Mark Sullivan, who many may recall was caught up in a prostitution scandal last year.
In his announcement of the new director, the president said of Pierson, "Over her 30 years of experience with the Secret Service, Julia has consistently exemplified the spirit and dedication the men and women of the service demonstrate every day. "




![ In January of 2013, the Pentagon lifted its ban on women in combat roles. This was a huge step toward gender equality in the military, as it removed the glass ceiling that would prevent female soldiers from attaining the same career potential as men in the same position. While not all women [or men] will meet the physically demanding criterion necessary to fill these roles, they will no longer be prevented from trying.In reference to the this, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated, "Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier. But everyone is entitled to a chance." In January of 2013, the Pentagon lifted its ban on women in combat roles. This was a huge step toward gender equality in the military, as it removed the glass ceiling that would prevent female soldiers from attaining the same career potential as men in the same position. While not all women [or men] will meet the physically demanding criterion necessary to fill these roles, they will no longer be prevented from trying.In reference to the this, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated, "Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier. But everyone is entitled to a chance."](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/profile_large/hash/57/8d/578d7456e1f42c2a0aa9ec845b2800d1.jpg?itok=7eVXyaG_)




