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Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks during a news conference in June 2016 at the Pentagon. Alex Brandon/AP hide caption

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Alex Brandon/AP

Obituaries

Ash Carter, the U.S. defense secretary who opened combat jobs to women, dies at 68

October 25, 2022 • In December 2015, after three years of study and debate, Carter ordered the military to open all jobs to women. He also ended the Pentagon's ban on transgender people serving in the military.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter Removes Top Aide After Alleged Misconduct

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis (left) walks next to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter before boarding a plane at Queen Alia Airport in Amman, Jordan, in July. Carolyn Kaster/AP hide caption

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Carolyn Kaster/AP

The Two-Way

Defense Secretary Ash Carter Removes Top Aide After Alleged Misconduct

November 12, 2015 • Senior military assistant Lt. Gen. Ron Lewis has worked with Carter in a number of jobs over the years. NPR's Tom Bowman reports Lewis is accused of an improper personal relationship.