All military jobs will soon be opened to women, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Thursday in a historic change, going against the Marine Corps’ recommendations that some jobs remain men-only.

“To succeed in our mission of national defense, we cannot afford to cut ourselves off from half the country’s talent and skills,” he told reporters. “Today I’m announcing my decision not to make continued exceptions, that is to proceed to opening all of the remaining occupations and positions to women. There will be no exceptions.