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First female U.S. Army Rangers

When two young women, Captain Kristen Griest, a military police officer from Connecticut, and 1st Lieutenant Shaye Haver of Texas, an Apache attack helicopter pilot, graduated from the U.S. Army's prestigious Ranger School, they cemented their places at the forefront of a new generation of females in combat roles.

They became the first women to complete the Ranger School combat leadership course that constitutes one of the most physically and mentally challenging military training programs.

Over a period lasting at least 61 days, participants endure patrol and combat simulations in the toughest of environments while often deprived of food and sleep.

Despite having made it this far, however, the two women will still not be allowed to serve with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, which has yet to lift its ban on female soldiers.

But the Pentagon is putting finishing touches on a plan that would allow women access to all military posts, with a few exceptions which the Secretary of Defense will rule on in January 2016. (AFP)