For the first time ever, a woman may be head of a military combatant command

published 18 March 2016

Air Force Gen. Lori Robinson is poised to become the first-ever female combatant commander, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Friday at a D.C. Politico Playbook breakfast. Carter says that President Obama is planning to nominate Robinson, current head of the Pacific Air Forces, to replace Adm. Bill Gortney as head of U.S. Northern Command, one of the nation's six regional combatant commands responsible for defending the country. "We have coming along now a lot of female officers who are exceptionally strong. Lori certainly fits into that category," Carter said, noting Robinson's "very deep operational" experience.

Once Robinson is nominated, she will then need to be confirmed by the Senate.