The Rise of the Female Warfighter: Physiology, Performance, and Future Directions

Abstract

Since 1948, the United States military has been open to both men and women as permanent party service members. However, in the majority of the time since, there have been a subset of military occupational specialties (MOS), or job descriptions, open only to men. In particular, jobs requiring more intense physical and/or environmental strain were considered to be beyond the physiological capabilities of women. In the present analysis, we review the literature regarding neuromuscular, physical performance, and environmental physiology in women, to highlight that women have no inherent limitation in their capacity to participate in relevant roles and jobs within the military, within accepted guidelines to promote risk mitigation across sexes. First, we discuss performance and injury risk: both neuromuscular function and physical capabilities. Second, physiological responses to environmental stress. Third, we discuss risk as it relates to reproductive health and nutritional considerations. We conclude with a summary of current physiological, performance, and injury risk data in men and women that support our overarching purpose, as well as suggestions for future directions.

Physical and Physiological Characterization of Female Elite Warfighters

“…The characteristics that uniquely define these pioneering women are of great interest as they provide a reference point for women undertaking such arduous training. Earlier assumptions that women simply could not exercise at a high intensity without serious health consequences have been shown to be simply untrue, as reviewed in detail (3)(4)(5), but there is still concern that physically demanding training puts women at a substantially enhanced risk for musculoskeletal injury (6,7).…”

The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine

“…Understanding the latest science for the differences in performance between males and females can inform policies of governing sports and athletic organizations on the inclusion of athletes who are transgender (1,2) and/or have disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD), also referred to as intersex, within sex-based categories of competition. Thus, we provide definitions of sex and gender (see discussion hereinafter), and a clear picture of the science that dictates those factors that differentiate sexes in athletic performance across different events, as we address the role and inclusion of males and females, men and women in sports, and professions that require physical performance (3,4). Such information will also provide a rationale for sex-specific requirements of tactical athletes in professions with an historically strong male presence (e.g., law enforcement, military, and firefighters) as their professions open to the inclusion of more females (5,6).…”

Different perspectives on women’s health, nutrition and endurance exercise

“…The goal of the present letter is to point out areas in which readers may draw the conclusion that women are at greater risk from exercise training. Although we are certain this was not the intent of the authors, there have been instances where such assumptions about “increased risk” have resulted in the exclusion of women in sporting events [ 13 ], combat roles in the military [ 14 ], and other career or athletic endeavors.…”