Defending the safety of our country and representing the United States of America in uniform has been a male-dominated field for over three hundred years. Military service is one of the most honorable and selfless professions, here we profile the physical fitness significance and demonstrated strength for women in the military.

 

Military physical fitness requirements are no joke.

The minimum score requirements needed to pass Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) to serve in the U.S. Army include:

 

Women ages 17-21: 19 pushups, 53 sit ups, and a two-mile time of 18 minutes and 54 seconds.

 

Women ages 22-26: 17 pushups, 50 sit ups, and a two-mile time of 19 minutes and 36 seconds.

Keep in mind, all physical-fitness tests must be completed to the utmost degree of precision. Perfection is an understatement when completing basic training requirements, which proves the amount of research, dedication, and preparation it takes to earn a uniform. Let’s just say, women in the military have endured countless sweat sessions to make a name for themselves.

 

(Note: The U.S. Army is just one division of United States military. All divisions mandate intense fitness requirements, similar to the U.S. Army Advanced Infantry Training requirements.)

 

How are women proving their strength?

 

According to Military.com 10 percent of the current veteran population and 20 percent of today’s military is comprised of females, allowing for females to be the fastest growing subset of vets in America. To keep up with the rise in female participation, numerous support groups, programs, and sanctions are being tailored to support the growing number of women in uniform.

 

Women proved their strength most recently in December 2015 when they were granted the ability to serve in any job that met gender-neutral performance standards and requirements. Prior to this, women were only eligible to hold certain military positions over fear that some positions were ‘better suited for men.’ This milestone opened nearly 220,000 jobs for females, equating to nearly 10 percent of all military operations.

 

In addition to this, three women have recently completed the Army Ranger School, which is known as, “the Army's premier combat leadership course, teaching Ranger students how to overcome fatigue, hunger, and stress to lead Soldiers during small unit combat operations,” according to the Pentagon. Numerous reports showed that females enrolled in the 62-day training school performed comparably to their male counterparts.

 

At Shefit, we couldn’t be more proud of our fellow females that wear their uniform with pride and risk the ultimate sacrifice. We thank you for breaking norms, and serving our country. Badass females unite. Girl power.