Women Must Meet Same Combat Standards as Military Men

Ban has been lifted, allowing them to serve

The military will not lower its physical standards for women now that the ban has been lifted on them serving in combat roles. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta formally announced the lift on Thursday, opening as many as 237,000 new jobs to women. Military officials said occupations such as infantry and artillery have physical requirements and the standards for both sexes would be the same. "The department's goal is to ensure that the mission is met with the best qualified and most capable people, regardless of gender. I'm not talking about reducing the qualifications for the job — if they can meet the qualifications for the job, then they should have the right to serve," Panetta said. Currently, the various branches -- Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines -- already have differing requirements for physical fitness. (USA Today)

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