1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. Secretary Hegseth noted in a post on X: "Different physical standards for men and women in the U.S. military have existed for a long time. BUT, there were also combat roles that were male-only." What was changed during the Obama administration that Secretary Hegseth is now revising?

3. How does Secretary Hegseth explain the need for the "Combat Arms Standards"?

4. a) What does Hegseth order the military branch heads to develop?
b) What is the purpose of this order?

5. What requirements are to be expected for all combat troops?

6. a) What deadline has the Secretary Hegseth given to the heads of the military branches?
b) How long will they have to implement the changes?

7. Read Secretary Hegseth's new memorandum "Combat Arms Standards"
What do you think: Is this unreasonable - or is this common sense? Explain your answer.

8. In 2015, under the Obama administration, the Marine Corps conducted an analysis comparing the efficiency of all-male vs. male/female combat units. According to the Marine Corps Times, the study found that the former outperformed the latter “in nearly every capacity.”

The outlet reported that sex-integrated units not only “performed at lower overall levels, completed tasks more slowly and fired weapons with less accuracy than their all-male counterparts,” but female Marines also “sustained significantly higher injury rates and demonstrated lower levels of physical performance capacity overall.”
Are you surprised by this? Explain your answer.

9. Read some responses to Secretary Hegseth's posts on X. Which do you find reasonable? Explain your answer.

Some responses from MEN:

• "Men and women should have different standards. We are built different. Women should also not serve in Infantry, [Army] Rangers, SF [Special Forces (Green Berets), [Navy] Seals, PJs [Pararescue], etc."
• "Equal standards across the board. No special classes or privileges. If you want to fight with your fellow soldiers you should be expected to live up to the standards."
• "Combat readiness over political correctness. Pete Hegseth just did what the Pentagon should’ve done years ago: One standard. One mission. One team. If you want to serve in a combat role, you meet the standard. Period. "
• "Women shouldn’t be in combat roles, and everyone knows it."

Some responses from WOMEN:

• "That's great! I remember boot camp I could run the rings around some of the male recruits, they'd pass out and I'd keep running! Gotta do what you gotta do. Don't hold back. Carry your weight and then some."
• "We’re currently in a recruiting shortage and we’re not even engaged in an open conflict. How does this [Hegseth's order] help that situation?"
• "There are definitely significant differences between males and females, that is why we don't want males in women's competitions."