Marines Toughen Fitness Test for Women - East Idaho News
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Marines Toughen Fitness Test for Women

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GETTY N 081111 MarineJPG?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1354099685491Creatas/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — All the Marines want is a few good women who can do at least three pull-ups.

Without explaining why on Tuesday, Gen. Jim Amos announced that females will be required to do pull-ups like their male counterparts in order to pass the annual physical fitness tests.

Because women are viewed as having less upper-body strength, they currently do the flexed-arm hang that requires them to hold the position for 70 seconds.  Males need to do three pull-ups to pass with the completion of 20 considered a perfect score.

Both sexes are required to do sit-ups and are timed during a three-mile run.

Amos said the new rules go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, with officials phasing in the change throughout next year.

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