On this week’s cover, the Army is working to create common physical requirements for each military occupational specialty, so that both men and women hoping to join combat arms will have to meet the same standards.
Since the Defense Secretary Leon Panetta lifted the women-in-combat ban earlier this year, there have been concerns that physical standards infantry and other positions would be watered down to accommodate women.
“We’re calling it ‘Soldier 2020,’” Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg told us. “You’ll notice it’s ‘soldier’ for 2020. It’s not male soldier or female soldier. We’re not changing standards, but we’re going to clearly make sure we understand all those standards and they’re related to a specific task that’s required by that position.”
Also this week, we take a peak at the Army’s forthcoming Cyber Center of Excellence, a super-facility that will bring together the signal, cyber and electronic warfare specialties under one roof.
And finally, for those in the Active Guard or Reserve, the Army will soon be offering 15-year retirements to some officers.
For the full rundown on these stories and more, pick up the July 1 issue, on newsstands now. If you don’t want to wait, you can subscribe to our digital edition or purchase a $1 day pass.
