Lifted Ban of Women in Combat

Leon Panetta has opened ground combat roles to women. My own experiences in the military aren't the sort that would give me the knowledge to comment on women in ground combat. However, others who do have experience in ground combat have commented upon women in the military. I know the article is on the website of a science fiction/fantasy publishing house, but the author has serious experience in the military, both as an enlisted infantryman and as an officer.