I have a unique perspective on this. I attended West Point, and women did the Infantry training along with us.
And these weren’t ‘average’ women. Most had excelled as athletes in high school.
How did they do? Not as good as the men.
And in real combat, ‘not as good’ is a very bad thing.
We’re just built different. Political correctness can’t change that.
As a former Infantryman and squad leader, I can tell you that the vast majority of MEN can’t hack the physical demands of the job. Your normal high school kid in the 80’s had to spend weeks of intense physical training in order to get into shape. Even then, we washed out 30% of my class. I’m told that today, many are in such poor physical shape that they have to be sent to a remedial course before going to Infantry school. I can’t even guess the wash out rate now.
How many can run/jog for 3 miles without stopping even if they are not timed? Not many I would venture. How many can do 10 correct push ups or pull ups? Even fewer. My comments are not gender based, rather an observation on the current generation.
When I graduated Infantry school, at a minimum you had to complete a timed 5 mile run, pass the PT test (40 push ups, 40 sit ups, 2 mile run in 16:00 min) and pass a 15 mile forced march with battle rattle (35 lbs ruck, weapon, harness, water, etc). And that was just good enough to get you assigned to a regular Infantry unit. Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, Green Berets, etc all required even tougher standards.
Didnt the first class with women at the Point result in them ending the traditional 20 ? Mile march with full packs and gear because not one female could finish it?
No, but it can prevent anyone from pointing it out (unless you are here on FR).