Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the military to move ahead with a plan to allow women to hold combat positions.

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta lifted the longstanding ban on women in combat roles back in January. Military leaders today announced plans to let women train as Army Rangers and Navy SEALs, among other front line jobs.

Pauline King, of Yaphank, who served as a medic and an administrator in the military, says she believes women deserve the right to qualify for combat roles, but says the standard for qualification should remain the same.

Col. Vincent Montera, of Bellmore, says men and women should be held to the same standards, but says he's concerned about the potential emotions that men may deal with while serving alongside women.

"I still think that men internally have this feeling to protect women, whether they want to or not," Montera says.

Still, Montera says he believes the plan to allow women in combat roles can work over time.