Women soldiers in Australia taking part in army training exercises.<br/> While these women are allowed to serve in the vast majority of military jobs, they were prevented from frontline combat roles - until today.<br/> Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the government is dropping all military gender restrictions.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH, SAYING:<br/> "Now all of the roles on the front line will be determined on the basis of merit, not on the basis of sex, so a very significant reform announced by the government today."<br/> Australia is the fourth country after Canada, New Zealand and Israel to open up combat roles to women.<br/> Sunita Rappai, Reuters
