Unified Combat Standards: SECDEF Mandates Equality for All Genders

In a historic shift for military policy, Defense Secretary Ash Carter has ordered the implementation of one standard for both men and women in combat roles. This groundbreaking directive marks a significant step toward gender equality in the armed forces. The announcement comes as part of broader efforts to integrate women fully into all military positions, including previously male-only combat jobs.

Breaking New Ground in Military Gender Integration

Secretary Carter’s decision establishes that all military occupational specialties (MOS) will maintain unified performance standards regardless of gender. This means both men and women must meet the same physical and professional requirements to qualify for combat positions. The policy ensures that military readiness remains the top priority while opening doors for qualified female service members.

The directive follows the 2015 landmark decision to open all combat roles to women. Since then, the military has worked to develop fair and effective standards that maintain combat effectiveness. Now, these standards will apply equally across the board.

“The standards will be gender-neutral,” stated Sec. Carter in his announcement. “In other words, every Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine must meet the standard to hold the job. Standards can only be changed based on real-world operational requirements, not to accommodate individuals.”

Impact on National Guard Units

This policy change affects National Guard units across the country as much as active-duty forces. Guard units must now adjust their training and evaluation processes to ensure they comply with the new gender-neutral standards. This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Guard leadership.

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) supports the move toward equal standards. Guard units have already begun preparing for the integration process. Many have started adapting their facilities and training programs to accommodate mixed-gender combat teams.

Col. Michelle Rose, a National Guard officer, noted: “Our Guard units take pride in maintaining high standards. The shift to gender-neutral requirements simply formalizes what many of us already believe – that capability, not gender, determines military effectiveness.”

State-Level Implementation

Each state’s National Guard will implement these changes according to federal guidelines. Some states have already made significant progress in integrating women into formerly restricted roles. Others face more substantial adjustments to training facilities and unit structures.

The transition varies based on each state’s existing infrastructure and the types of units they maintain. For instance, states with larger combat arms components may require more extensive modifications than those primarily focused on support roles.

The Science Behind Combat Standards

The Pentagon based its gender-neutral standards on extensive research into combat effectiveness. Studies examined the physical requirements of various combat tasks and how they translate to real-world military operations. This science-driven approach ensures that standards remain tied to job requirements rather than arbitrary metrics.

Research conducted by military and civilian experts identified key physical abilities needed for combat effectiveness. These include upper and lower body strength, cardiovascular endurance, and specific task-oriented skills. The standards now reflect these evidence-based requirements.

Furthermore, the military conducted field tests with integrated units to evaluate performance under realistic conditions. These tests helped refine standards to ensure they accurately reflect combat needs while removing unnecessary barriers.

Physical Requirements and Combat Readiness

Critics initially worried that integrating women might lead to lowered physical standards. However, the Secretary’s directive explicitly prohibits changing standards to accommodate individuals. Instead, any adjustments must be based solely on operational requirements.

Dr. James Anderson, a military readiness expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explains: “The focus on maintaining standards ensures that combat effectiveness remains the priority. Gender-neutral standards don’t mean easier standards – they mean appropriate standards for the task at hand.”

The physical requirements vary by military occupation. Infantry positions demand different capabilities than artillery roles or combat engineers. Each standard now reflects the specific demands of that combat specialty rather than gender-based expectations.

Historical Context and Progress

This directive represents the culmination of decades of progress toward military gender integration. Women have served with distinction in the U.S. military since World War I, gradually gaining access to more roles and responsibilities.

Key milestones include:

• 1948: Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent members of the military
• 1976: Service academies opened to women
• 1993: Combat aircraft positions opened to women
• 2013: Combat exclusion policy lifted
• 2015: All combat positions opened to women
• 2016: Implementation of gender-neutral standards

Each step faced initial resistance but ultimately strengthened military capabilities. The current changes follow this pattern of careful integration based on merit and capability rather than gender stereotypes.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite clear directives, implementing gender-neutral standards comes with practical challenges. Military units must address issues ranging from facility modifications to cultural adjustments. Additionally, training programs need updates to prepare all service members for the new standards.

Some challenges include:

• Modifying physical training protocols to prepare all candidates effectively
• Updating facilities to accommodate mixed-gender combat units
• Addressing cultural resistance within traditionally male-dominated specialties
• Ensuring fair and consistent evaluation procedures
• Developing mentorship opportunities for women entering new roles

Military leadership at all levels must navigate these challenges while maintaining combat readiness. The services have developed detailed implementation plans addressing these concerns.

Training and Preparation

The services have revised their training programs to prepare all candidates for gender-neutral standards. These programs focus on building the specific physical capabilities needed for combat roles through progressive training regimens.

For example, the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program takes a scientific approach to physical development. It helps soldiers build functional strength, endurance, and resilience regardless of gender or starting fitness level.

Similarly, the Marine Corps has updated its Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) to better reflect combat requirements. These changes ensure that all Marines develop the capabilities needed for battlefield success.

Early Results and Success Stories

Since the 2015 decision to open combat roles to women, several female service members have successfully integrated into previously restricted positions. Their experiences demonstrate that capable individuals can meet standards regardless of gender.

Notable achievements include women completing the Army’s Ranger School, Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, and Navy SEAL officer assessment programs. These pioneering service members proved that gender-neutral standards work in practice.

Capt. Kristen Griest, one of the first women to graduate from Ranger School, stated: “The battle-tested standard should be maintained. I would never want the standards changed because I am a woman, that would minimize my accomplishment.”

These success stories provide practical evidence supporting Secretary Carter’s directive. They show that maintaining high standards while opening opportunities creates a stronger, more capable military force.

Future Implications

The move to gender-neutral standards carries significant implications for the future of military service. Beyond the immediate policy change, it signals a broader shift toward merit-based opportunities throughout the armed forces.

This policy will likely influence military culture, recruitment strategies, and long-term force development. As more women enter previously restricted roles, the military will benefit from a wider talent pool and diverse perspectives in planning and operations.

General Mark Milley, then-Army Chief of Staff, summarized the approach: “The task is to implement this decision with the clear objective to improve the readiness and capability of the force. We’re going to do this right, and we’re going to do it deliberately.”

Impact on Retention and Recruitment

The shift to gender-neutral standards may also affect military recruitment and retention. With all positions open to qualified individuals, the services can attract talented women who previously might not have considered military service.

Additionally, career advancement opportunities for female service members have expanded significantly. Women can now pursue any career path for which they qualify, removing artificial ceilings that previously limited their progression.

This expanded opportunity structure benefits the military by retaining experienced personnel who might otherwise leave due to limited advancement options. The resulting force maintains higher experience levels and institutional knowledge.

The Path Forward

Secretary Carter’s directive represents just one step in an ongoing process. Full implementation requires continued commitment from military leadership at all levels. Success depends on maintaining fair standards while providing appropriate training and mentorship.

The military must also collect data on implementation outcomes to refine approaches as needed. This evidence-based approach ensures that gender integration enhances rather than detracts from combat effectiveness.

As the services move forward, they continue to emphasize that standards remain tied to operational requirements. This focus on mission capability rather than demographics supports both military effectiveness and equal opportunity.

Conclusion

The Defense Secretary’s order establishing unified combat standards marks a significant milestone in military gender integration. By maintaining rigorous, job-specific requirements for all service members, the policy upholds combat effectiveness while opening doors for qualified individuals regardless of gender.

National Guard units, alongside their active-duty counterparts, now face the task of implementing these standards effectively. With careful planning and commitment to merit-based evaluation, the military can strengthen its capabilities while providing equal opportunities for all who serve.

This policy reflects the continuing evolution of America’s military toward a force that judges its members on capability rather than characteristics. As implementation proceeds, the focus remains where it belongs – on building the most effective fighting force possible.

What do you think about gender-neutral combat standards? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!

References

• National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS): SECDEF Orders One Standard for Men, Women in Combat Jobs
• Department of Defense: Carter Opens All Military Occupations, Positions to Women
• U.S. Army STAND-TO!: Implementation of Defense Department Policy to Open Previously Closed Positions to Women
• Center for Strategic and International Studies: Military Readiness
• RAND Corporation: Considerations for Integrating Women into Closed Occupations in the U.S. Special Operations Forces