This Could Be Our First-Ever Female Combatant Commander

President Obama will name Air Force General Lori Robinson to lead the military's Northern Command, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Friday. It's one of the top US military positions and Robinson would be the most senior general overseeing North American activities. She "would also be the first ever female combatant commander," Carter says, per Reuters. The US Northern Command "was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to coordinate and improve homeland defense and to provide support for other national disasters," the AP reports.

Obama's nomination of Robinson "shows ... we have, coming along now, a lot of female officers who are exceptionally strong. And Lori certainly fits into that category," Carter, speaking at an event hosted by Politico, added. The nomination of Robinson, who is currently the head of the Pacific Air Force, is subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, she would report directly to Carter. (More US military stories.)