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Should women in the armed forces require the same testing standards as men?
Women form a significant role in the armed forces in many parts of the world, and as do the men are usually required to undergo regular fitness testing. In many cases there are different standards that the women are required to meet. Critics of this say that as both the men and women need to work under the same conditions they should be required to reach the same minimum fitness levels. On the other hand, due to women generally having lower physical capabilities such as lower strength and endurance etc., the setting of a standard test target for both sexes can be seen as a disadvantage, and even possibly discrimination. What do you think? See also this discussion about Fitness Testing in the Forces, and also a similar poll about whether the forces testing standards should be age-related.
Women go on and on about how we should be equal to men so does this not count? They should be required to have the same standards as anyone else in any armed forces! If my husbands life depended on a women who doesn't have the physical ability to take care of him, why was she let into the military in the first place, it is a false sense of security. (from Lacey, April 2012)
I think that women should be able to take on any job they wish. As long as they are willing to work hard and complete the tasks just as equal to men. There are plenty of men out there that can not meet the physical requirements where women can. So if women can meet them why discriminate. (from Marilyn, Nov 2011)
I believe as a former soldier myself that it is common knowledge that men are physically stronger than men. All this talk about having the same physical standards is bs. There are a lot of strong, great soldiers whom I would trust with my life and likewise regardless of physical agility. Unless you have been in a combat zone you have no idea. Women can become extremely STRONG if and when the occasion arises. Take for example the mother when her child is in danger and she needs physical strength to help them ... You may think that unless they have the same standards they are worthless but I challenge you to ask the men that I was deployed with if they trusted me with their lives. (from Dittmann, Nov 2011).
I think the PT standards for women across the branches should be raised, but strong female NCOs and officers need to lead the way in this regard. Having served for more than 4 years in an infantry division, I endured an excruciating amount of crap from male soldiers and NCOs because I couldn't run a 13 minute 2 mile (I could do 40+ pushups though, go figure). It was incredibly discouraging, and without strong female leadership/massive amounts of negativity from my male peers, I assumed I was simply incapable of performing at a higher level of fitness. The stereotype of a 'weak female' produces a vicious cycle that is not well understood amongst male service members, and is hurting the force in ways that I don't think anyone can fully appreciate without having witnessed so much wasted potential first hand. I have been out of the Army for 2 years now, and my fitness has never been better. Female warriors can dish it out just as well as their male counterparts, but they need someone to tell them that yes, you CAN do it. @Eric: screw your heteronormative lifestyle. I'm not staying home to fulfill the needs of any so-called man, or pushing out babies because that's what someone says I should be doing. (from FormerSoldierGal, Nov 2011)
Equal pay, equal job opportunities, equal rights, yes it should be the same. (from Ron, Oct 2011)
I believe as a woman myself that woman and men should be rated equal, if a woman wants to join the defence force or fire fighting she should undergo the same fitness tests and the same training equal to the men, those woman whom passes the tests will be equal to men. (from Stephanie, Sept 2011)
I am a woman myself and think it's great that women have the choice to fight on the front line if they want to. But they do need to pass the same physical capability tests as men. It's the same job- they should have to pass the same requirements. For their own safety and the safety of those around them. However, I am offended by the sexist comments about a woman's place being in the home. Perhaps some feel their manliness is being threatened. (from Emmeline. T, July 2011)
I don't think enemy bullets shoot slower when directed towards women. (from Ben, July 2011)
I can pass all of my fitness tests without a problem. And I know a female in training who can beat me in chin-ups. So, me seeing a female put in actual effort and get actual results makes me wonder why other females can't do this. If you want to serve, meet the standards. If you fail to do so you should be turned away, no questions asked. (from M. Flood, July 2011)
Well obviously women in general are VASTLY weaker than men. The percentage of women capable of running 3 miles in 18:00 and under is EXTREMELY slim. 20 dead hang pull ups? lol forget about it! A lot of women like to think / what to be "equal" to men but this is simply a pipe dream. They want to get all the benefits but know damn well they can't perform at a typical males level. This goes for all women in typical "male" type jobs (police, fire fighter, military, etc). In the police force for example these females lack the strength to handle suspects so they end up having to use unnecessary force (taser, baton, firearm, etc). Women's right groups need to suck up their pride and acknowledge the FACT that women simply aren't "equal" to men. Evolution has worked the way it has for a reason where men are the "warriors" and women stay at the home front taking care of the kids, cook, clean and fulfill their mans needs. (from Eric, June 2011)
Fitness standards in the military should be the same regardless of sex. If women want the equality to serve in a combat role then they should be held to the same standard as their male counterparts. That would be true equality. (from G. Small, Jan 2011)
I serve in the Royal Navy, and am constantly annoyed at how physically useless my female colleagues are. Their easier fitness tests mean there is no chance of them failing, unless they are grossly unfit, and it is common knowledge that they have these easy tests so the whole Navy doesn't look foolish for allowing them on ships. (from AndyNavy, Dec 2010)