Reviewing physiological differences that affect military performance in women, suggesting tailored training programs for optimal outcomes.
Key physiological differences exist between men and women, including differences in anatomy, hormones, and nutritional needs. Relevant literature that describes how these physiological differences may influence training and performance for women is reviewed and examined through the lens of military performance, particularly fitness testing and basic operational capabilities, such as ruck marching. The article will describe how this information can influence programming and training for women in the military. Finally, the article will outline example cases of 2 women at different career stages, including at the onset of initial entry training and undertaking a senior leadership role in menopause. By synthesizing current research and practical experiences, this article provides insights that can guide the development of evidence-based training to support the health, readiness, and success of military women throughout their careers.
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Carroll et al. (2025) studied this question.
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