US army to test enlisted men and women with same physical standards

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"US Army Implements Unified Physical Standards for Combat Soldiers"

US army to test enlisted men and women with same physical standards analysis cover image The Guardian 8.0
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/22/pete-hegseth-women-combat-army-fitness-test
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TruthLens AI Summary

The United States Army announced on Monday a significant shift in its fitness testing protocol, mandating that enlisted men and women in combat positions adhere to the same physical standards. This change follows directives from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has called for the elimination of gender-specific requirements for frontline roles. The new Army Fitness Test (AFT) will replace the previous combat fitness test and will be characterized as 'sex-neutral.' Female soldiers in 21 combat specialties will now be required to meet the same performance benchmarks as their male counterparts, a move anticipated to significantly reduce the number of women qualifying for these roles. The AFT consists of five events designed to enhance soldier fitness and improve overall warfighting readiness, including deadlifts, push-ups, planks, a two-mile run, and a sprint-drag-carry exercise. Notably, the standards for younger women will see substantial increases, such as a requirement to deadlift 140 pounds instead of 120 and a reduction of nearly 90 seconds in the mandated run times.

This policy change raises concerns, given previous studies that highlighted the physiological differences between male and female soldiers. A 2017 study recommended addressing these differences through targeted training programs rather than imposing identical standards. Furthermore, a 2022 Rand Corporation study indicated that women and older service members were failing the prior fitness test at significantly higher rates than their male and younger counterparts, which casts doubt on the practicality of the new standardized requirements. Under the new guidelines, combat soldiers must achieve a minimum of 60 points in each event and an overall score of at least 350. Active-duty personnel have until January 2026 to comply, while National Guard and reserve members have until June 2026. Soldiers who fail to meet these standards twice consecutively may face removal from the Army or be reassigned to non-combat roles, which will still utilize gender- and age-based scoring. The implementation of these changes is set to begin on June 1, with further guidelines expected to be released in May.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The recent announcement by the US Army regarding the implementation of identical physical fitness standards for men and women in combat roles has generated significant discussion. This change, prompted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive to eliminate gender-based fitness requirements, raises questions about equality, readiness, and the future of female soldiers in combat positions.

Objective of the Announcement

The primary goal of this announcement appears to be fostering a more equal standard among soldiers, regardless of gender. However, it may also serve to align military policies with a broader societal push for gender equality in various fields. While the intent seems to promote fairness, the implications suggest a potential decrease in the number of women qualifying for combat roles, which may not align with the original goal of equality.

Public Perception and Implications

This policy change could lead to mixed reactions within the public. On one hand, it may be viewed positively by those advocating for equal treatment across genders. Conversely, critics might argue that it disregards the physiological differences between genders, potentially resulting in a more exclusionary environment for women in the military. The report references previous studies that highlighted the importance of tailored training programs rather than uniform standards, suggesting a disconnect between policy and empirical research.

Potential Oversights

There is a concern that this announcement might obscure the ongoing issues related to the physical capabilities of different demographics within the military. The changes indicate a stringent requirement that may disproportionately affect women and older service members, as noted in the Rand Corporation study which showed higher failure rates among these groups in previous tests. This raises questions about the feasibility of these new standards and whether they truly serve the goal of enhancing military readiness.

Societal and Economic Effects

The ramifications of this policy could extend beyond the military, potentially influencing societal views on gender roles and fitness standards in other sectors. If a significant number of women are unable to meet the new requirements, it could spark debates about gender equality and representation in combat roles. Economically, this might impact recruitment and retention within the armed forces, as well as public funding for military programs focused on training and support for female soldiers.

Target Audience

The announcement seems to target individuals and groups advocating for gender equality in military service, while also appealing to those who believe in maintaining rigorous standards for combat readiness. It may resonate more with communities that prioritize equal treatment, while potentially alienating those who value established norms based on physical performance.

Market Impact

The direct effect of this news on stock markets or specific industries may be limited; however, military contractors and fitness training companies could see changes in demand for their services as the military adjusts its training programs. The announcement might influence public perception of defense spending and military readiness, which are often closely monitored by investors.

Global Context

On a broader scale, this policy change reflects ongoing discussions about gender roles in military and combat situations worldwide. It aligns with current global movements advocating for equality and could have implications for how other nations approach similar issues within their armed forces.

Artificial Intelligence Considerations

While it is unclear whether AI was directly used in crafting this article, the structured presentation of information suggests a potential influence of AI in summarizing and analyzing data. AI models could have been employed to gather relevant statistics and studies referenced, potentially shaping the narrative towards a more data-driven approach.

In conclusion, the announcement by the US Army regarding uniform physical standards for combat roles highlights complex issues surrounding gender equality, military readiness, and societal expectations. While it aims to promote fairness, the implications may not align with the intended outcomes, prompting further discussion and analysis.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/22/pete-hegseth-women-combat-army-fitness-test

The US army unveiled plans on Monday to require a fitness test with identical physical standards for men and women in combat positions after the defense secretary,Pete Hegseth, ordered the elimination of gender-based fitness requirements in frontline roles.

The revamped army fitness test, which replaces the combat fitness test, will be “sex-neutral” and force female soldiers in 21 combat specialties to meet the same benchmarks as men – a change expected to drastically cut the number of women qualifying for these positions.

“The five-event AFT is designed to enhance Soldier fitness, improve warfighting readiness, and increase the lethality of the force,” the army said in a press release.

Gone is the “standing power throw” or “ball yeet”, replaced with a streamlined assessment of deadlifts, push-ups, planks, a two-mile run and a sprint-drag-carry exercise. For younger women, the standards jump significantly – deadlifting 140lb instead of 120, and shaving nearly 90 seconds off required run times.

The new policy appears to contradict findings froma 2017 studyof US army soldiers that concluded “gaps in cardiorespiratory and muscular performances between men and women should be addressed through targeted physical training programs that aim to minimize physiological differences” rather than applying identical standards.

A2022 Rand Corporation studyalso found that women and older service members were failing the previous fitness test “at significantly higher rates than men and younger troops”, which raises questions about the feasibility of the new standardized requirements.

Combat soldiers must now score “a minimum of 60 points per event and an overall minimum score of 350” under the sex-neutral standards, according to the army’s press release. Active-duty troops have until January 2026 to meet requirements, while national guard and reserve members have until June 2026.

Hegseth has previously said that he does not think women should be allowed to serve in combat roles, though he later moderated his stance. The former Fox News host wrote in a recent book that “women cannot physically meet the same standards as men” and that mothers were needed “but not in the military, especially in combat units”.

Soldiers who fail to meet the new standards twice consecutively face potential removal from the army or,according toSgt Maj Christopher Mullinax, would be required to transfer to non-combat roles, which will continue using sex- and age-based scoring.

The army will begin rolling out the changes on 1 June, with full implementation guidelines expected in May.

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Source: The Guardian