SFC Nikhil Kumra 419365 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Recently read an opinion article stating that the reason females cannot pass the Marine Corps&#39; Infantry Officer Basic Course was due to lower fitness standards of females - which suggests that our reduced physical standards are cultural and not physiological. <br /><br />Would 1) more females be willing to risk being kicked out of the service for the sake of equalizing standards, and 2) would the concern of &#39;reduced standards&#39; as a reason for not allowing females in combat arms be reduced? Would uniform fitness standards between both genders help females adapt to Combat Arms roles, and prevent a reduction in standards? 2015-01-15T17:38:16-05:00 SFC Nikhil Kumra 419365 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Recently read an opinion article stating that the reason females cannot pass the Marine Corps&#39; Infantry Officer Basic Course was due to lower fitness standards of females - which suggests that our reduced physical standards are cultural and not physiological. <br /><br />Would 1) more females be willing to risk being kicked out of the service for the sake of equalizing standards, and 2) would the concern of &#39;reduced standards&#39; as a reason for not allowing females in combat arms be reduced? Would uniform fitness standards between both genders help females adapt to Combat Arms roles, and prevent a reduction in standards? 2015-01-15T17:38:16-05:00 2015-01-15T17:38:16-05:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 419476 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am obviously not a Marine, but I think the answer to this question is that the different standards for the "average" Marine are fine - one standard for males and one for females. When we move up to more demanding courses, such as the Marine Corps IOBC or Ranger training, then make the standards tougher for all. I know they are already tougher for Ranger School - for anyone attending, male or female - and I assume that the same holds true for Marine Corps IOBC. That seems to be a fair way to deal with standards when it comes to elite courses. Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 6:51 PM 2015-01-15T18:51:47-05:00 2015-01-15T18:51:47-05:00 SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA 530350 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><br />1) I don't know, but I doubt it.<br />2) Yes, it would be reduced. Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 14 at 2015 12:18 PM 2015-03-14T12:18:53-04:00 2015-03-14T12:18:53-04:00 2015-01-15T17:38:16-05:00