美國國防部檢討軍人體能標準，關注戰鬥職位的更高要求

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(AP Photo/Lolita Baldor, File)

美國國防部長彼得·海格塞斯（Pete Hegseth）近期下令全面檢討軍隊的戰鬥、體能和儀容標準，引發各界關注。此舉旨在評估是否應統一各軍種的標準，還是應考慮各軍種的特點、社會變遷和招募現實，維持現行差異。 

海格塞斯長期以來公開反對女性擔任戰鬥職位，認為為了容納女性而降低標準是不適當的。他主張無論性別，所有標準應該一致。在3月12日的備忘錄中，他要求人事副部長收集自2015年以來有關體能、身體組成和儀容標準的變化資訊，特別關注體能、身體組成和儀容（包括鬍鬚）等方面。 

各軍種現行體能測試概況：

• 陸軍：自2015年起，陸軍實施了包含六個項目的體能測試，包括硬舉、跑步、平板支撐、伏地挺身、立定擲重和一個結合衝刺、拖拉、搬運的組合項目。這些項目旨在模擬實際戰鬥情境。

• 海軍陸戰隊：每年進行兩次測試。上半年是包含三英里跑步、引體向上和平板支撐的體能測試；下半年則是包括880碼穿著戰鬥靴跑步、彈藥箱舉重和模擬在火力下行動的戰鬥體能測試。

• 空軍：空軍的體能測試包括1.5英里跑步、伏地挺身和仰臥起坐，並根據年齡和性別進行調整。 

此外，特定的軍事職位，如特種作戰、步兵、裝甲兵等，要求更高的體能標準，這些標準對所有人都是一致的，不區分性別或年齡。 

近年來，為了適應社會變遷和招募需求，各軍種在儀容標準上也有所調整，例如放寬了對鬍鬚和刺青的限制。  

US Department of Defense Reviews Military Fitness Standards, Focusing on Higher Combat Requirements

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has recently ordered a comprehensive review of the military’s combat, physical fitness, and appearance standards, drawing widespread attention. This initiative aims to assess whether to unify standards across all branches or to maintain existing differences, considering the unique characteristics of each branch, societal changes, and recruitment realities. 

Hegseth has been a vocal opponent of women serving in combat roles, arguing that accommodating women by lowering standards is inappropriate. He advocates for uniform standards regardless of gender. In a memorandum dated March 12, he directed the Under Secretary for Personnel to collect information on changes in standards since 2015, with a particular focus on physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, including facial hair policies. 

Current Fitness Test Overview by Branch:

• Army: Since 2015, the Army has implemented a six-event fitness test, including deadlifts, running, planks, push-ups, standing power throws, and a sprint/drag/carry combination. These events are designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios.

• Marine Corps: Conducts two tests annually. The first half of the year features a physical fitness test with a three-mile run, pull-ups, and planks; the second half includes a combat fitness test with an 880-yard run in combat boots, ammo-can lifts, and a maneuver-under-fire exercise.

• Air Force: The fitness test comprises a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups, with adjustments based on age and gender. 

Additionally, specific military roles such as special operations, infantry, and armor require higher, uniform fitness standards that are gender- and age-neutral. 

In recent years, to adapt to societal changes and recruitment needs, various branches have also adjusted appearance standards, such as relaxing restrictions on beards and tattoos.