Earlier this year, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and General Martin Dempsey announced the Pentagon's plans to integrate women into previously closed combat jobs across all military branches.
Now the first 15 female enlisted Marines have volunteered to participate in enlisted infantry training. Before even starting this pilot course, the women have to complete a Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Combat Fitness Test (CFT) and the beastly High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) assessment.
On the command side, 10 women thus far have attempted the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, and all of them have washed out.
We've got some pictures of enlisted women (notably kept anonymous) and men taking the tests.
This is the "buddy carry" drill which is an element of the Combat Fitness Test. Marines run 65 yards, zigzag through obstacles all while carrying a comrade. It is important for Marines to master this skill in order to save lives on the battlefield.
Marines must then carry two 30-pound ammo cans ...
... and run 75-yards while weaving through a series of cones.
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