Women In The Military Research Paper

Throughout history women have held significant roles in the military. These positions were strictly support based, for example nurses and clerks. According to an article called Women in the Military, “nearly one-fifth of the armed forces today is made up of females”. (women in the military). Over the years the roles and the amount of women who served has changed dramatically. According to Women in the Military, “during World War I there were roughly 23,000 women who severed in the military. That number grew during World War II to 350,000 female soldiers. Than after the Persian Gulf War troops began to increase leading to 80,000 jobs that opened to women in 1994” (women in the military). The opening of these positions has lead society to several …show more content…
When in fact it will help during times of war, like the current war in Afghanistan. The first major concern at hand is if women are equally physically fit as men. While women are not naturally as strong as men; research show that they are capable. According to Bradley Nindl author of Operational Physical Performance and Fitness in Military Women, “body composition is a critical component of optimal physical performance in the military setting. The purpose of establishing and enforcing body composition standards is to promote healthy exercise and nutrition behaviors to ensure readiness and resilience” (51). These standards are met by setting age, weight, and height requirements prior to entering the branch of choice. As well as by conduct advance physical fitness tests. These tests include exercises that test a person’s cardiorespiratory system, abdominal strength, and upper body strength. For example, sit-ups, a two mile run, and push-ups. According to Western Illinois University Military Department, “the physical fitness test is sectioned into three events and is broken down by age and gender. The standard vary from each group