"We have coming along now a lot of female officers who are exceptionally strong," said Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

If the nomination gets Senate approval, Robinson will become the head of U.S. Northern Command, one of just six regional combatant commands. This would effectively make her one of the most senior members of the U.S. military.

This is not Gen. Robinson's first time pioneering the way for women in the military. In 2014, she became the first female combat commander with four stars.

Robinson has filled a variety of roles in the U.S. Air Force, which she joined in 1982.