The Pentagon is embarking on a critical examination into the impact of women serving in key combat roles, assessing whether their presence affects the military’s combat effectiveness. This review, sparked by a leaked memo obtained by NPR, will span over six months and scrutinize the roles of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor, and artillery units.

In the midst of this inquiry, frustrations have surfaced among female service members. A private online support group, shared exclusively with the Daily Mail, has become a platform for these women to voice their grievances. One service member expressed anger over perceived double standards, questioning why male colleagues struggle to maintain focus, stating bluntly, “You mean your guys can’t focus on the mission without trying to stick it in… not my problem.”

The sentiment is echoed by another female service member who, in a text to a colleague, criticized the disproportionate scrutiny placed on women. She questioned whether men’s effectiveness in ground combat roles is being equally assessed, or if their capabilities are simply assumed due to their gender, noting sarcastically, “Are we also reviewing the effectiveness of men in ground combat positions, or just assuming they’re effective because they were born with a penis?”

Despite being a minority in these combat roles, women constitute a small but significant portion of the Army’s combat units, with approximately 3,800 serving in these challenging positions. This investigation highlights the ongoing debate over gender roles within the military and the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.

Women represent a small share of Army combat units, with about 3,800 serving in such positions.

Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel Anthony Tata wrote in a memo that the effort is to figure out the ‘operational effectiveness of ground combat units 10 years after the department lifted all remaining restrictions on women serving in combat roles.’

In a blistering demand for transparency, Tata has told Army and Marine Corps leaders they have until January 15 to appoint the ‘points of contact’ who will hand over the keys to the military’s most sensitive data.

The investigation is being handled by the National Security non–profit Institute for Defense Analyses, and will include ‘all available metrics describing that individual’s readiness and ability to deploy. 

The Pentagon has ordered an investigation into whether the presence of women in ‘tip of the spear’ combat roles is damaging the military’s ability to win wars

A leaked memo obtained by NPR reveals that defense bosses are launching a grueling six–month review of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor and artillery units

Another female service member has lifted the lid on a private Facebook mentorship group where thousands of military women are ‘sounding off’ in a high–voltage debate over the future of their careers

One user wrote, ‘If you meet the standard, you should be able to do it…. They all want to ban all women just because it ‘makes it complicated.’ you mean your guys can’t focus on the mission without trying to stick it in… not my problem’

A text message between female service members sent to the Daily Mail

The Pentagon’s massive audit is causing a rebellion amongst the rank and file.

Female service members are calling it a ‘sexist operation’ to the Daily Mail.

‘Even if this is just rhetoric, it’s giving the men around us who are already sexist the opportunity and the encouragement to be more overtly sexist,’ one army source explained. ‘So even if there isn’t an official push to push women out of positions, I worry that it will happen naturally because of this rhetoric.’

Another female service member has lifted the lid on a private Facebook mentorship group where thousands of military women are ‘sounding off’ in a high–voltage debate over the future of their careers.

The group, a reported lifeline for sisters–in–arms, has become a digital war room for those fearing their ‘effectiveness’ is being judged by ‘suits who have never stepped foot in a foxhole.’

One user wrote, ‘If you meet the standard, you should be able to do it…. They all want to ban all women just because it ‘makes it complicated.’ you mean your guys can’t focus on the mission without trying to stick it in… not my problem.’

Another recounting the Global War on Terrorism mission after the Sept. 11 attacks, writing, ‘Women were a tactical necessity in the Middle East for cultural reasons alone… Having women was critical to saving lives.’

Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson tells the Daily Mail that the review is already underway.

‘Our standards for combat arms positions will be elite, uniform, and sex neutral because the weight of a rucksack or a human being doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman. Under Secretary Hegseth, the Department of War will not compromise standards to satisfy quotas or an ideological agenda—this is common sense,’ Wilson added.

The seven–page memo also asks for internal, non–public research on women serving in combat roles.

At a September speech to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, Hegseth said women must meet the same highest standards as men.

‘When it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender neutral,’ Hegseth said. ‘If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is.’

The Secretary of Defense can change physical standards without congressional approval, however an outright ban on female troops serving would need congressional approval.