Marines Toughen Fitness Test for Women
Published at(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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