The average man taking the Army Physical Fitness Test does better than 95 percent of the women. Today’s Space-Age military may seem to need only push-button level strength requirements. However, modern combat has not yet become a giant video game. Differences in body strength are not a male conspiracy to deny women their role in the military. It is not prejudice — 120‑pounders just do not do well in physical confrontations with 200‑pounders.
We owe our soldiers the best possible chance at coming back alive. An honest discussion on the role of women in the military is the first step.