Air Force to begin tests to open combat jobs to women

AirForce Times — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:21:50 -0400

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/

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Apr 22 at 2015 9:26 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:26:01 -0400

I don't see why these jobs should be restricted. Put the best person in the job.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 9:38 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:38:29 -0400

I noticed the phrase "gender-neutral occupational standards." As soon as I saw that I just knew that it was going to be the hinge for everything in this endeavor.

Opening the jobs up to women is perfectly acceptable. Doing that while also doing a re-evaluation of the physical standards sets off all of the "perception is reality" alarms I have.

I want some more clarification about this apparent re-assessment of the standards and (hopefully) some transparency in the process. Because just like the women who attended the Marines Infantry Officer course and those attending the Army's Ranger School this is going to be heavily scrutinized and judged.

And if we don't have transparency here it's going to be polarized and vicious judging indeed. And the Air Force already gets enough of that.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:08 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:08:33 -0400

USAF Spec Ops are a different beast, on the most part, than others. Pararescue = badass paramedic. Combat Control = badass air traffic controller. Combat Weather = badass meteorologist. I think about the only one that is more in line w/ the SpecOps of other branches is TacP mainly due to how they insert w/ the others. This is interesting & will be worth watching.

And, yes, I know the above is an over-simplification of the description of the jobs :)

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 22 at 2015 11:33 AM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:33:37 -0400

Awesome, Again I look forward to the day when sex is not the headline for the few people who choose to serve their country and we practice equality not only in voice but action.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 22 at 2015 12:39 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:39:15 -0400

Why not? If they meet the requirements then let them serve in a combat role. I believe they can handle the pressures that come with combat.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 9:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:28:53 -0400

It already failed for the Marines, maybe they can have a successful failure with the Air Force too? If you cannot do the job, change the requirements right?

Response by 1SG Michael Bonnett made Apr 23 at 2015 5:35 PM

1SG Michael Bonnett — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:35:27 -0400

What a stupid thing to do....

They will be burdens on their units and may cause some life of life.

I can believe anyone who has done these jobs agrees with this..

Let's see someone prove me wrong...

Just in case somebody has forgotten or never been in ground combat, the standards they have to meet are decided by the people trying to kill them, not some politician looking for the women vote or some candy assed Air Force Senior officer who is really a politician and not a soldier...

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 6:52 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:52:51 -0400

I am IN!!! Wait, no I'm not... I am perfectly happy on the ground as an Analyst geek... But, I fully support those that do!! Male or female, this is immensely hard work!!

((insert hearty motivational AF saying, if we had one!!!!))
:)

Response by C Hunter made Feb 5 at 2018 10:56 PM

C Hunter — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 22:56:20 -0500

My boy has been training with the first woman in AF combat. As of last week she’s doing great!