Despite Promises Otherwise, Marines Lower Physical Standards to Accommodate Women in Combat Roles

Remember this promise from Ash Carter, in which he reiterated that military standards would not be lowered so that women could more easily enter combat roles?

At his press conference Mr. Carter characterized the move as being inclusive for the better 50 percent of the American population who are women. He said women have proven themselves over the decades, as barriers to flying jet fighters, diving in submarines and sailing in surface ships were removed. Now is the time, he said, to open up the remaining 220,000 combat jobs.

“This means that, as long as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to our mission in ways they could not before,” Mr. Carter said. “And even more importantly, our military will be better able to harness the skills and perspectives that talented women have to offer.”

He acknowledged that physical demands for some jobs are so high that only a small number of women might qualify. He said surveys showed women do not want standards lowered.

Apparently, that was all just a big, fat lie.

The Marine Corps has proposed a new fitness plan for females that does not require them to do any pullups to meet physical standards.

While female Marines will strongly be incentivized to do those pullups to achieve a high score, they can opt for the “flexed-arm hang” instead. For example, females can’t score higher than 50 points for a flexed-arm hang, but just one pullup will net them 51 points, Marine Corps Times reports.

Even without the lowered standards necessary for women to serve in combat roles, the concept of women fighting in our military proved controversial. Now that they’re moving forward with their plan to change the qualifications, not only does this endanger our servicemen and women, but its paired with a stench of affirmative action, as well.

Sources: Daily Caller, Washington Times

Photo: MarineCorpTimes