With MOSs open to all genders will the TALOS suit make combat roles equal?

SGT William Howell — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:02:13 -0500

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIYHVE1We54

One of the biggest arguments for integrating women into combat roles is they are not able to physically do the same task as their male counterparts. With the development of battle suits that will assist the soldier with strength do you think that it will level the battlefield for both males and females?

The Army's real life 'Iron Man' suits

Joe Votel -- commander of the U.S. Special Operations command -- talks about suits being developed by the Army that might make some real-life Tony Starks.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2015 12:06 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:06:30 -0500

Yes. Just like firearms :) Technology and innovation will bring great changes.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 11 at 2015 12:06 PM

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:06:43 -0500

To me, physical strength is probably the single biggest issue. I'm not saying there aren't physically strong women out there and I'm sure SOMEONE will be along shortly to post a picture of a female MMA fighter, but the averages are what they are. In my opinion, yes, If the TALOS suit goes into full production and widespread use, I think it would go a long ways to level the playing field, at least in tasks where they are practical. I'm not really convinced that the TALOS would be practical in a large majority of spec ops, though.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 11 at 2015 12:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:36:32 -0500

How far out is this technology?

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 11 at 2015 12:43 PM

SGT David T. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:43:51 -0500

I will be watching this with great anticipation.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 11 at 2015 3:05 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:05:17 -0500

If such suits are used even small men would benefit, although I weighted at 170 during deployments there was no way that I could carry or drag my heavy set naked weight 250 + lbs gunner.

Response by SSG Raymond Whitener made Dec 11 at 2015 3:14 PM

SSG Raymond Whitener — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:14:07 -0500

A suit to help with strength? I hope this comes out soon, or else soldiers will be forced to work together as a team in order to offset limitations from the individual soldier

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 9:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 09:40:53 -0500

I think brain power and planning abilities are more important in SF, having said that you need to be the total package just in case. That is why we land nav with terrain association and compasses not just gps's. That TALOS project will probably die on the vine like the Army of 2000, with that black helmet and slick gear.