After graduating two women from its prestigious Ranger School, the Army announced Wednesday that it would open the school to women permanently. The Ranger Regiment, however, still does not accept female members.

Capts. Kristen Griest and Shaye Haver made national news when they became the first female soldiers to complete the grueling course and earn the ranger tab. The last of 19 total women to start the course in April, they endured several phases of the course twice over in order to finish. After their graduation, Gen. Raymond Odierno suggested that the Army would wait until the next co-ed Ranger class graduated in November before ending its gender restrictions for good. Clearly, Army officials changed their minds and sped up the process.

“The Army’s No. 1 priority is combat readiness, and leader development is a function of combat readiness,” new Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said. “Giving every qualified soldier the opportunity to attend the Ranger Course, the Army’s premier small unit leadership school, ensures we are maintaining our combat readiness today, tomorrow, and for future generations.”

Neither Griest nor Haver are allowed to join the Ranger Regiment despite earning the tab. The regiment may be opened this year as the Army makes more combat roles gender inclusive.