Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a memo instructing military department secretaries to develop sex-neutral physical standards for troops.
The memo says that physical fitness standards must be the same for men and women.
“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,” it says.
The Monday memo says America’s military strength “is rooted in its unwavering commitment to high standards that foster discipline, unity, and purpose.”
“It is these principles that have made our fighting force the most formidable in the world. As the nature ofwarfare evolves and the demands on our Service members grow more complex, it is imperative that we assess and refine the physical fitness standards that enable our readiness and lethality,” the memo says.
Furthermore, the Department of Defense memo says the physical standards must be developed specifically for combat arms occupations and non-combat arms occupations.
“This effort will ensure that our standards are clear, mission-focused, and reflective of the unique physical demands placed on our Service members in various roles,” the memo says.
In addition, the memo mandates that specific combat roles require more rigorous “entry-level and sustain physical fitness.”
For ground combat operations, fitness standards must “emphasize the ability carry heavy loads, endure prolonged physical exertion, and perform effectively in austere, hostile environments.” These service members also must show “speed, strength, agility, and endurance” to be able to deal with combat situations.
In special operations forces occupations, standards need to exhibit “advanced swimming, climbing, parachuting, and the ability to operate in extreme environments.” The memo says top physical ability is required for missions in “diverse and challenging terrains.”
The memo says special occupations such as Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal technicians need to be able to be proficient in “aquatic rescue, repair, and demolition.” Sustained endurance is mandatory, according to the memo, to be able to perform these tasks.
Secretaries of the military departments must submit their proposals within 60 days.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com. Follow Zachery on Twitter @zacheryschmidt2.
