Recently while I was at work, I was sent an email about the "treatment of pregnant women in the work place." I saw it and thought, "What a crock of shiat!" Now I unerstand that there should be a level bar set for everyone in the, as it is only fair that everyone has a chance. But this sort of thing is why for over two hundred years women were not allowed in the military. Sometimes there is just some things that shouldn't change. You asked about the physical requirements of females vs. males. Well the military is quite possibly the worst advocate of "making it easier" for woman to do the same things. Every single physical challenge and requirement is set on a different level. If I have to do 30 push ups, she only has to do 17, and with her knees on the ground. If I have to 60 situps in 90 seconds, she only has to do 30 in 60 seconds. You get my point I am sure. The military also will give preference to females and minorities for just about everything. Getting into Officer Candidate programs, flight school, college programs, etc. If there is a chance for someone to say, "I did not get in because I was black, purple, mexican, Puerto Rican, female and pregnant." Then you better believe that there is going to be preference made for all the above mentioned. I know people that have had to flat out lie just to get in the service because the military is such a strong advocate. If you are a guy, unless you are a minority, you are going to wait up to one year to get in the service. If you are a minoroty or a woman, then you could shipped out for boot camp inside the week. Regardless of whether you meet the physical standards. That is a fact. Don't let anyone else tell ya different. I have seen it with my own eyes and witnessed my best friend, who is a recruiter for the Marine Corp HAVE to do it. We are no longer a country based on strength because the best of the best are defending it and building it.