New Women-In-Combat Study May Be Flawed

WASHINGTON - Jan. 6, 2026 - PRLog -- The Pentagon's just announced study of the effectiveness of women in combat roles is already being denounced (https://www.npr.org/2026/01/06/nx-s1-5667583/pentagon-review-women-in-ground-combat-roles) as "as a way to exclude women from ground combat."

But whether or not that is the study's underlying purpose, it may be flawed - or at least subject to legitimate criticism - suggests public interest law professor John Banzhaf, who has studied and written extensively on the underlying issues.

For example, although women are generally far less able than men to perform tasks requiring great strength, their gender in some - but not all - situations gives them advantages men don't have.

This is best illustrated by studies showing that while female firefighters have too often done poorly, female police officers have done well.
Hegseth's Male Fitness Standards - History and Analysis by Expert
Police Officer vs. Fire Fighter Physical Requirements Illustrate Problem (http://prsync.com/george-washington-university/hegseths-m...)

The new study, and any conclusions reached from it, will have to explain why the Army has just introduced (https://www.aol.com/army-rolls-equal-fitness-standards-19...) a new "five-event Army Fitness Test . . designed to increase warfighting readiness, reduce injury risk, and enhance the physical performance of the force" is, in its own words, "sex-neutral and age-normed."

Since it's well established that physical fitness is significantly different depending upon both sex and age, why make allowances for differences based upon age but not differences based upon sex, asks Banzhaf.
Hegseth; Why Age-Normed But Not Sex-Normed Standards? (http://prsync.com/george-washington-university/hegseth-why-age-normed-but-not-sex-normed-standards----an-expert-discusses-cops-vs-firefighters-and-real-world-consequences-4944167/)

There may also be additional problems which will be addressed as the study progresses, says Banzhaf.

JOHN F. BANZHAF III, B.S.E.E., J.D., Sc.D.
Professor of Public Interest Law Emeritus
George Washington University Law School
"The Man Behind the Ban on Cigarette Commercials"
FAMRI Dr. William Cahan Distinguished Professor
Fellow, World Technology Network
Founder, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
Inventor of the "Banzhaf Index"
(703) 527-8418
http://banzhaf.net/   jbanzhaf3ATgmail.com   @profbanzhaf