Pentagon opens all combat jobs to women

[nitpicker]

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/261955-defense-secretary-to-announce-opening-all-combat-jobs-to-women

Pentagon opens all combat jobs to women

By Kristina Wong - 12/03/15 11:54 AM EST

In a historic move, Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday announced that the military will open all combat jobs to women. "There will be no exceptions," Carter said at a briefing, adding that meant women could serve as Army Rangers, Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

The decision comes after a review of recommendations from service leaders and military officials submitted earlier this year. "The important factor in making my decision was to have access to every American who can add strength to the joint force," Carter said, adding that women have seen combat throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with some being killed.

Notably absent from the announcement was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who as Marine Corps commandant recommended that Marine infantry remain closed to women. Carter said he and Dunford had discussed the issue "many, many times." "He will be a full part of implementation," Carter said. "My decision is my decision."
(snip)

Then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in 2013 lifted the ban on women serving in combat jobs that were previously closed to them, but he gave the services until early 2016 to request exceptions. (snip) But approximately 10 percent of combat positions had remained closed to women, including in the infantry, armor, reconnaissance, and special operations.

The decision on whether to open all combat jobs had not been expected to come until early next year, and its likely to stir controversy.
(snip)

[Travis_0004]

1. I'm ok with this if they pass the exact same physical as men

If the qualification is to run 1.5 miles in X time, and lift X pounds, both sexes should have the exact same requirement.

[jonno99]

2. Agreed - the requirement is the requirement. I fear however, that more and more women

will be injured by pushing their bodies too hard in jobs that are very physically demanding (e.g. forced marches with heavy packs,etc.). We're already seeing that the injury rates are much high for the ladies than the men...