Air Force to begin tests to open combat jobs to women

From: Air Force Times

The Air Force this month will take a big step toward possibly opening up the last male-only combat jobs to women.

In a Tuesday release, the Air Force said it will start conducting physical evaluations to set gender-neutral occupational standards for the jobs, which represent roughly 4,300 special operations positions.

The jobs are 13C special tactics officers, 13D combat rescue officers, 15WXC special operations weather officers, 1WOX2 special operations weather enlisted, 1C2 combat control, 1C4 Tactical Air Control Party, and 1T2 pararescue.

"Ultimately, the initiative to eliminate any remaining gender-based assignment restrictions will improve our readiness and the Air Force's ability to recruit and retain the most effective and qualified force," Air Force Sec. Deborah Lee James said in the release.

The Air Force said it will test about 200 male and female volunteers at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. Airmen from the Lackland area will be the first volunteers chosen.

This testing and evaluation will help the Air Force develop the physical tests that will show which airmen can succeed in these physically demanding jobs, said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, director of military force management policy.

"This effort marks the most stringent process yet by which we are developing occupationally specific physical standards, scientifically measured against operational requirements to match mission needs," Kelly said in the release. "All the services and United States Special Operations Command are working with various scientific and research agencies to review occupational standards to ensure they are specific and current, operationally relevant and are gender neutral."

Kelly said that the testing effort "is not about raising or lowering occupational standards."

"The key is to ensure we have set the right standards for the occupation based on mission requirements," Kelly said. "The effort is built upon science and experience, to ensure we continue to maintain our readiness and preserve the quality and capability of our all-volunteer force."

In a March speech outlining her plans to increase diversity in the Air Force, James reiterated her desire to open up these combat jobs to women.

"And boy, the burden of proof will be heavy on any recommendation to keep any of these positions closed once we have gender-neutral, job-relevant standards in place," James said in March.

The release said the Air Force has already conducted focus groups, assessments and operational observations as part of the process of opening these jobs.

James is expected to send Defense Secretary Ash Carter her recommendations on opening up the remaining male only jobs later this year. Carter is expected to send his recommendations on which jobs should be opened up on or about Jan. 1, which Congress will then choose to act on or not.

Air Force Education and Training Command will release more information on how Lackland-area airmen can volunteer to take part in these tests.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/careers/2015/04/21/air-force-to-begin-tests-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/26138787/