US Army’s first female infantry officer

Captain Kristen Griest became the US army’s first female infantry officer this week, the army said, in a milestone for the US military as it opens up combat roles for women.

Her new role means that she can lead male and female soldiers into battle — one of the last male-only bastions of the army.

Ms Griest was one of two women who made history last year after becoming one of the first female soldiers to pass the army’s gruelling course to qualify for the elite Rangers unit.

Earlier this month, the army said it had approved requests from more than 20 women to enter the infantry and armour branches. The armour branch includes tanks.

Last year, the US military said it would let women serve in all combat roles, a historic move striking down gender barriers in the armed forces.