The Air Force this month will take a big step toward possibly opening up the last male-only combat jobs to women.

In an April 21 release, the Air Force said it will start conducting physical evaluations to set gender-neutral occupational standards for the jobs, which represent roughly 4,300 special operations positions.

The jobs are 13C special tactics officers, 13D combat rescue officers, 15WXC special operations weather officers, 1WOX2 special operations weather enlisted, 1C2 combat control, 1C4 Tactical Air Control Party, and 1T2 pararescue.

"Ultimately, the initiative to eliminate any remaining gender-based assignment restrictions will improve our readiness and the Air Force's ability to recruit and retain the most effective and qualified force," Air Force Sec. Deborah Lee James said in the release.

The Air Force said it will test about 200 male and female volunteers at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. Airmen from the Lackland area will be the first volunteers chosen.

Air Education and Training Command spokeswoman Capt. Jennifer Richard said in an April 22 release that the tests will contain two studies: one on Physical Tests and Standards, which runs April 13 to July 18, and another on Re-validation of Strength Qualification Standards, which will go from April 15 to Aug. 1.

The physical tests study will contain running, pull-ups, push-ups and combat-related simulations like swimming, carrying life-size dummies, rock climbing and climbing walls, the AETC release said. This is intended to set fitness standards for training and operational levels for battlefield airmen career fields.

The strength qualification study will consist of "familiar entry physical tests, to include those that measure strength," AETC said. It will "ensure scientifically-based, operationally-tied fitness tests and standards for entry into all career fields," AETC said.

Volunteers must be between 18 and 45 years old, have a current passing physical fitness test in all four components, and a current preventive health assessment or medical clearance. They must be willing to attempt physical tasks, the release said, and must complete a safety and medical screening questionnaire.

AETC is accepting both male and female airmen from active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Each participant in the physical tests study must be willing to commit for two consecutive weeks between April 13 and June 13, or for one week between June 22 and July 18. Participants in the strength qualification study must be willing to commit for four hours each day on May 28 and 29, and more opportunities will be available between July 11 and Aug. 1.

This testing and evaluation will help the Air Force develop the physical tests that will show which airmen can succeed in these physically demanding jobs, said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, director of military force management policy.

"This effort marks the most stringent process yet by which we are developing occupationally specific physical standards, scientifically measured against operational requirements to match mission needs," Kelly said in the release. "All the services and United States Special Operations Command are working with various scientific and research agencies to review occupational standards to ensure they are specific and current, operationally relevant and are gender neutral."

Kelly said that the testing effort "is not about raising or lowering occupational standards."

"The key is to ensure we have set the right standards for the occupation based on mission requirements," Kelly said. "The effort is built upon science and experience, to ensure we continue to maintain our readiness and preserve the quality and capability of our all-volunteer force."

In a March speech outlining her plans to increase diversity in the Air Force, James reiterated her desire to open up these combat jobs to women.

"And boy, the burden of proof will be heavy on any recommendation to keep any of these positions closed once we have gender-neutral, job-relevant standards in place," James said in March.

The release said the Air Force has already conducted focus groups, assessments and operational observations as part of the process of opening these jobs.

James is expected to send Defense Secretary Ash Carter her recommendations on opening up the remaining male only jobs later this year. Carter is expected to send his recommendations on which jobs should be opened up on or about Jan. 1, which Congress will then choose to act on or not.

Air Force Education and Training Command will release more information on how Lackland-area airmen can volunteer to take part in these tests.

Stephen Losey is the air warfare reporter for Defense News. He previously covered leadership and personnel issues at Air Force Times, and the Pentagon, special operations and air warfare at Military.com. He has traveled to the Middle East to cover U.S. Air Force operations.

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