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It has been a big year for women in the military, as 2016 marked the first time women could apply to serve in all military occupations and positions and saw more female leaders hit occupational milestones. 
 
Lt. Gen. Stayce Harris, a reserve pilot by trade, this year became the first female African-American to ever achieve the rank of lieutenant general for the Air Force, and earned the job of assistant vice chief of staff and director of the air staff for the service. She is also the first woman and the first reservist to return to active-duty to fill the position. 
 
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