Hegseth: Men and Women in Combat Must Meet ‘Same, High Standard’

The Epoch Times Header

‘All combat roles will only have sex-neutral standards. Common sense,’ the defense secretary says.

The Defense Department on Monday revealed that it would be imposing “sex-neutral” standards for military combat roles.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the changes to its physical fitness requirements in an effort to “fix” the standards that he said were “lowered” under President Barack Obama’s administration.

“Different physical standards for men and women in the U.S. military have existed for a long time. BUT, there were also combat roles that were male-only,” Hegseth said in a statement on X. “Then, under Obama, all combat roles were opened to men AND women. BUT, different physical fitness standards for men and women remained.”

“Today at the Department of Defense — we fix this. All combat roles are open to men and women BUT they must all meet the same, high standard. No standards will be lowered AND all combat roles will only have sex-neutral standards. Common sense,” Hegseth added.

In a March 30 memorandum, the defense secretary said that the nature of warfare has evolved over time and the demands of U.S. service members have grown more complex.

“Sex-neutral” standards must therefore be imposed, according to Hegseth.

“All entry-level and sustained physical fitness requirements within combat arms positions must be sex-neutral, based solely on the operational demands of the occupation and the readiness needed to confront any adversary,” he wrote. “In establishing those standards, the Secretaries of the Military Departments may not establish standards that would result in any existing Service member being held to a lower standard.”

The defense secretary also directed military secretaries to distinguish between combat and non-combat arms occupations in order to ensure that the standards reflect the unique physical demands of each role.

Hegseth also directed them to come up with comprehensive plans for each of those roles.

In Ground Combat roles, standards should emphasize the ability to carry heavy loads, endure prolonged physical exertion, and perform effectively in hostile environments.

Roles in Special Operation Forces should require “sustained peak physical performance” and incorporate advanced swimming, climbing, parachuting, and the ability to operate in extreme environments.

In Specialized Operations, such as Navy divers, service members must have the endurance to tackle conditions that are considered mentally and physically taxing.

By Rachel Acenas

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

Declassified: Biden Regime ‘Countering Domestic Terrorism’ Playbook

With Jan 6th, as the pretext, the Biden regime devised its “Strategic Implementation Plan For Countering Domestic Terrorism,” declassified by DNI chief Gabbard.

CCP Likely Enabling Industrial Cyber Scamming of US Nationals, Say Experts

Former prosecutor, Erin West, and other cybercrime experts are convinced that China is actually complicit in the global crisis of industrial cyber scamming.

Made-in-America Entrepreneurs See Opportunities in Global Tariffs

It’s more than just a label. “Made in America” represents pride and the national spirit, says John Roy, CEO of Dawson Knives in Prescott, Arizona.

Easter’s Christian hunt

Easter isn't another benevolent Sunday. It's the holy remembrance of the salvific victory Jesus Christ had over death and is the defining moment in human history. 

Persecuted in China, Young Shen Yun Artists Find New Meaning on the World Stage

The clock rewinds to a plate of turnip cakes whenever Ellie Rao thinks of her dad, a man who Chinese police took from her when she was 4 years old.

News

Alito Calls Supreme Court Block of Venezuelan Gang Deportations ‘Legally Questionable’

Justice Alito filed dissent from court’s order temporarily blocking Trump admin from deporting alleged members of Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua.

Trump Admin Files Response to Supreme Court Pause on Deportations

Trump admin filed response to Supreme Court order that temporarily blocked it from deporting a group of Venezuelan men accused of being gang members.

ACLU Sues Trump Admin Over Revocation of International Student Visas

ACLU affiliates filed a lawsuit on April 18 asking a federal court to reinstate the legal status of international students who have had their visas revoked.

Mississippi Supreme Court Rules Transitioning Teen Not Entitled to Name Change

Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that a minor female undergoing a so-called gender transition may not change her name to a more masculine name.

We Took the Buyout: Federal Employees on Why They Accepted the Offer to Quit

The Trump admin offered federal employees a deal many couldn’t refuse: resign voluntarily and receive full benefits and paid leave lasting until September.

Fed Approves Capital One–Discover Merger to Create 8th Largest US Bank

The Federal Reserve Board has given its approval for Capital One Financial Corporation’s merger with Discover Financial Services in a $35.3 billion deal.

Education Department Asks Harvard for Foreign Funders’ List After University Submits Inaccurate Records

Dept of Ed sent “records request” to Harvard Univ after review of institution’s reports found foreign funding disclosures were “incomplete and inaccurate.”

Supreme Court Blocks Deportation of Alleged Venezuelan Gang Members for Now

Supreme Court temporarily blocked Trump admin from deporting Venezuelan men currently in immigration custody who are alleged to be criminal gang members.
spot_img

Related Articles