Female Soldiers in Infantry positions

[dabrockster]

I know we had a nice thread where Devil Dog and a few other millitarymen spoke about this topic. It looks like the 2 females that participated could not pass the course.

I believe there was also a discussion of this possibility and the ramifications if this did in fact happen. Would politicians/advocates request a modification to the training courses etc. How could it impact our soldiers on the ground..

The only two women to participate in the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course (IOC) failed ongoing tests to determine which infantry positions should be available to women, according to the Marine Corps Times:

The women failed the introductory Combat Endurance Test, a punishing test of physical strength and endurance, officials at Marine Corps headquarters said Tuesday. The latest class began March 28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., with 110 lieutenants participating. Ninety-six men passed the initial endurance test. Twelve men and two women — the only female Marines taking part — failed.

The two women both volunteered to participate in the IOC. Two other women had previously volunteered in September but also failed.

The Times also noted:
The Marine Corps’ commandant, Gen. Jim Amos, said he’s aware of concerns from infantrymen, and wants to ensure standards are not lowered because of the policy change. In a letter distributed to his general officers the same day the Pentagon announced the policy change, Amos said the plan that he and the other joint chiefs developed calls for a three-year research period before the top officers in the Corps and Army make recommendations to civilian leaders in 2016. He stressed that no decisions have been made, including in the infantry, recon and spec-ops communities.

http://freebeacon.com/female-marines...fficer-course/

[U-Ute]

I know we had a nice thread where Devil Dog and a few other millitarymen spoke about this topic. It looks like the 2 females that participated could not pass the course.

I believe there was also a discussion of this possibility and the ramifications if this did in fact happen. Would politicians/advocates request a modification to the training courses etc. How could it impact our soldiers on the ground..



http://freebeacon.com/female-marines...fficer-course/

I'm a firm believer in women's rights and freedoms, but I also understand that when it comes to war, combat is not sexist. There is no replacement for brute strength. If that is the standard they feel they need, they should not change the tests for women.

[Diehard Ute]

I'm a firm believer in women's rights and freedoms, but I also understand that when it comes to war, combat is not sexist. There is no replacement for brute strength. If that is the standard they feel they need, they should not change the tests for women.

And I doubt they will. Police departments usually have the same requirements regardless of gender. Either you can or you can't. Military should be the same way. (And I don't know a single female police officer who would want an easier standard)

[dabrockster]

The only thing that caused me to think they may revise the current training was this statement..

Amos said the plan that he and the other joint chiefs developed calls for a three-year research period before the top officers in the Corps and Army make recommendations to civilian leaders in 2016. He stressed that no decisions have been made, including in the infantry, recon and spec-ops communities.