Implementing a gender neutral physical fitness test for each MOS

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:20:18 -0500

<div>To become a fully gender integrated Military, should gender neutral physical fitness tests exist targeted at each specific MOS?  </div>(please be professional)<div><br></div><div>In my own opinion, I feel it would be an outstanding idea. Also it would assist in weeding out male Soldiers that lack physical attributes needed for certain MOS.</div><div><br></div><div>(Field Artillery can be immensely physically demanding at times as can some other MOS)</div><div><br></div><div>What are your opinions?</div>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 30 at 2014 10:57 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 22:57:03 -0500

I think it would be good if it was able to be decided on and created, but because of the politics and the implausible complaints being derived from the lack of input from the affected members is making the possibility still years away.

It should be equal across the board in today's environment anyways, since I know many females that can run circles around many men.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 12:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 00:55:26 -0500

I made a comment similar to this earlier in another discussion, SSG. The standard is the standard is the standard. I think, combat arms for example, certain MOSs should have a gender neutral APFT but not at the cost of lowering it or changing it to accommodate those who couldn't hack it before. There are reasons why you get remedial PT if you don't score a 270 as an 11B. I understand that genetically males and females are engineered differently but I think they should both have to adhere to the current standard because it was set with the thought in mind that this is the bare minimum a soldier needs to achieve in order to be successful. I think if the job isn't necessarily physically demanding then there is no need to change anything, SSG.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Dec 2 at 2014 5:46 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 17:46:04 -0500

Sounds like an OUTSTANDING idea to me... "Do you possess the physical prowess to accomplish the mission you're assigned?" if not, see you later.

Promotion should also be tied to how well someone does their assigned job.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 1:47 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:47:27 -0500

Nice idea in theory. Would like to see how a professional trainer with solid cridentials and an MD would weigh in on this.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 10 at 2015 9:28 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:28:54 -0400

I think on the surface it sounds like a decent plan, but I would have to think about certain problems, primary being that in a war zone everyone is subject to attack and defending. I don't think I would want to be standing beside someone who says "I was never prepared for this."

Response by SSgt Randy Saulsberry made Mar 10 at 2015 9:38 PM

SSgt Randy Saulsberry — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:38:29 -0400

i dont think it would be a good idea. im all for gender equality but there are some realities that connot be denied. the female body is not genentically designed (bone density, muscle density, standard body fat percentage) to be able to deal with the amount of physical stres that the male body can deal with. in the Marine Corps we see the effects of physical stres son the female body all the time. in boot camp the females carry the same gear that a male carries and the results are that many females end up with fractured hips, and pelvises, as well as lower back and leg injuries at a disproportionate amount. the other reason i dont agree with it because it can only be applied in one of 2 ways. either you have a lower standard that is reasonable but chalenging goals for femlaes to reach but easy for the males to accomplish or you have a standard that is a challenge for the males but virtually immpossiblel for the females to reach. i do however agree that different occupational specialties should have a their own physical standards.