The U.S. Army has decided to ask male and female soldiers for the same physical strength test. The U.S. Army announced on Tuesday that it has prepared the Army Physical Fitness Test (AFT) reflecting gender neutrality. U.S. Army active duty soldiers have to take the test twice a year.
Similar to the existing system, the new physical fitness test consists of a total of five items: deadlift, push-ups, plank, sprint and weight handling, and two-mile running.
In particular, female soldiers from 21 positions performing intense combat missions in wartime situations must meet the same standards as the South Korean military so that they can continue their military service in those positions.
For combat women aged 17 to 21, they must lift 140 pounds from the deadlift instead of the existing 120 pounds, and the two-mile run must also be completed within 22 minutes instead of the existing 23 minutes and 22 seconds.
At least 60 points in each event and at least 350 points in total in five events are required to pass, and if the criteria are not met, they will be eliminated. If they are eliminated twice in a row, they will be discharged from the military, and female combat workers who met the female military standards, although they fell short of the male military standards, will be allowed to move to non-combat positions.
The new rule will take effect in June and will be applied to active-duty soldiers from January next year. Meanwhile, the measure will be implemented at the direction of Defense Minister Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, a former infantry officer in the National Guard, has expressed opposition to the participation of female soldiers in some combat divisions since before taking office.
In a recent book, he expressed his strong stance, saying, “We need a mother, but not in the military, especially in combat units.”
JULIE KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
