Physical Standards in an All-Volunteer Force

Abstract : A comparison of U.S. medical enlistment standards with those in the armed services of other advanced nations and those for entry-level jobs in the civilian sector suggests that U.S. standards may be higher than necessary. This is especially true for support positions. It is a common practice in the civilian sector and in the armed forces of other nations to relate standards to job requirements. In contrast, entry standards for the U.S. armed services are the same for all enlistees, whether assigned to combat jobs or to support function. Many enlisted assignments are support jobs, especially in the Navy and the Air Force. Presumably, standards analogous to those used in the civilian sector could be applied to some of these positions.