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Women will be able to apply for a British military post for the first time, said the secretary of defense.
Gavin Williamson announced that all combat roles were now open to women, including within Special Forces units such as SAS.
He said for the first time that "the armed forces will be determined by ability and not by sex".
The ban on women serving in close combat units in the British Army was lifted in 2016.
The Royal Armored Corps, which operates tanks, was the first close combat ground arm to open its doors to women in November 2016.
Since then, about 35 women have served or been trained to join the Royal Armored Corps.
- The close combat unit of the RAF opens to women
- Women must serve in close combat roles
The opening of roles for women in close combat has been gradual.
From now on, women who already serve in the army can apply for Royal Marines and Infantry. This will give them the opportunity to join special forces units such as SAS after the necessary training.
Williamson told BBC News: "We are expecting a lot of women joining the SAS and the special boat service.
"The value they will bring, the impact they will produce will be phenomenal and all services are eager to welcome them."
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Kat Dixon, in the center, hopes she will inspire other women to join
Cpl Kat Dixon, a member of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, is the first machine gun in his regiment to join the army reserve two and a half years ago.
She said, "I do not mean to say I'm a pioneer, but I want people to follow, I think women have a lot to offer.
"If you can qualify, I do not think anything can be banned, but you have to meet the same requirements."
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She explained that the physical tests she had to go through were difficult, adding that "it presents different challenges for women but they are not unsurpassed".
"The guys from the squadron help me a lot," she said. "You're just one of them, when you have this kit, it does not really matter."
However, Colonel Richard Kemp, retired officer, said the new policy would "cost the life".
"My experience is that if you have a men's team, even with one or two women, this could lead to divisions."
"I do not blame women, but anything that will undermine this team work will cost life."
