The US Department of Defense has launched a six-month review of the effectiveness of women in ground combat roles. The review, announced in a Pentagon memo, aims to assess the operational effectiveness of ground combat units 10 years after the Department lifted all remaining restrictions on women serving in combat roles.
The review was prompted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement in September that women must meet the "highest male standard." The Pentagon has requested data from the Army and Marine Corps on the readiness, training, performance, casualties, and command climate of ground combat units and personnel. The data will include metrics on physical, medical, and other measures of ability to deploy.
The review is expected to provide insight into the integration of women in combat roles, which has been a topic of debate in the military. The results of the review will likely inform future decisions on the role of women in ground combat positions.