Physical Strength Conditioning
A six-month trial study utilizing female civilian participants for physical strength conditioning progressed from 24 percent to 78 percent of the study group physically qualifying for ‘very heavy’ army jobs that females were currently excluded from. (Sherrow p52). If in just six months, such progress could be made with determined civilians, one could at least expect the same amount of dedication from individuals whose sworn duty it is to defend their nation. Even if the initial implementation of tougher guidelines had the immediate effect of disqualifying many female Marines, it would still level the arena. Promotion rates draw significant weight from physical fitness tests and marksmanship. By temporarily increasing the difficulty with which
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Exclusionary practices maintain women as second-class citizens, thereby undermining their competence and authority in the military. These practices are also harmful for male Marines, as dual standards are perceived as unfair advantages in junior-level promotions and in relative job safety. In co-ed units, cooperation and unit cohesion and friendly competition is raised as women strive to consistently better themselves and men refuse to be outdone. Furthermore, a non-homogenous unit provides unique solutions to problem-solving and Most importantly, fully integrated units have experienced a decrease in instances of military sexual assault, as all Marines are reminded to view each other as members of a team, instead of reinforcing gender norms and negative stereotypes by completely banishing women from vital roles. In a 200-year journey, the Marine Corps has slowly chosen make the changes that have updated its force from one that relied solely on speed and brawn to a more inclusive force that utilized the best assets found in the available demographics. By removing gender restrictions and instead focusing on an individual’s ability to perform a job, the Marine Corps will continue to retain the best and brightest and most qualified individuals, all while adapting to an ever-changing
Exclusionary practices maintain women as second-class citizens, thereby undermining their competence and authority in the military. These practices are also harmful for male Marines, as dual standards are perceived as unfair advantages in junior-level promotions and in relative job safety. In co-ed units, cooperation and unit cohesion and friendly competition is raised as women strive to consistently better themselves and men refuse to be outdone. Furthermore, a non-homogenous unit provides unique solutions to problem-solving and Most importantly, fully integrated units have experienced a decrease in instances of military sexual assault, as all Marines are reminded to view each other as members of a team, instead of reinforcing gender norms and negative stereotypes by completely banishing women from vital roles. In a 200-year journey, the Marine Corps has slowly chosen make the changes that have updated its force from one that relied solely on speed and brawn to a more inclusive force that utilized the best assets found in the available demographics. By removing gender restrictions and instead focusing on an individual’s ability to perform a job, the Marine Corps will continue to retain the best and brightest and most qualified individuals, all while adapting to an ever-changing