title: Preparing for Combat Readiness for the Fight: Physical Performance Profile of Female U.S. Marines.
abstract: Females have been restricted from serving in direct combat arms' positions for decades. One reason for the exclusion derives from the perceived physical demands of these positions. As a result, many current efforts are directed toward defining the physical demands of combat arms' positions. The purpose of this study was to develop a physical performance and body composition profile of females who could overcome the physical demands of combat tasks that rely primarily on upper body strength. This study is based on an analysis of archival data from 2 separate samples of active-duty female Marines (n = 802), who had been recruited to participate in heavy lifting tasks. These tasks included lifting a heavy machine gun (HMG) lift (cohort 1, n = 423) and Clean and Press lifts (29.5-52.3 kg) (cohort 2, n = 379). To develop the physical performance profile, data from annual physical fitness tests were collected, which included run times, ammunition can lift, 804. Seven-meter (880-yard) movement to contact, and the maneuver under fire. In cohort 1, 65 females (∼15%; n = 423 females) successfully completed HMG; in cohort 2, 33 females (∼9%; n = 379 females) successfully completed another strength task, a Clean and Press of 52.3 kg. In both samples, female Marines who were successful on these tasks also outperformed their unsuccessful counterparts on the annual physical fitness tests. In addition, larger females typically outperformed their smaller counterparts. Females seeking assignment to closed combat arms' positions would thus be well served by targeting upper body strength, while maintaining overall physical fitness.
authors.affiliation: Division of Operational Readiness, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California.
authors.forename: Karen R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Jason T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Jameson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D008889:Military Personnel; D053580:Muscle Strength; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology; D014481:United States; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult