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BROOKLINE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — New U.S. Military standards are bringing mixed reactions from Brookline residents.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced, in a meeting of top generals on Tuesday, Sept. 30, women in combat roles for the military will now have to adhere to the highest male fitness standards. He called the new standards "gender neutral," and called for an end to the so-called "woke culture" in the military. He will be easing disciplinary rules, weakening hazing protections and is getting rid of racial quotas.
Hegseth did acknowledge that some women won't be able to meet the new standards, which will result in fewer women in combat roles.
Some in Brookline don't see a problem with this change. "I'm sure they can serve excellently in other roles, perhaps just not on the front lines," one said.
Others called the new standard problematic and said it "sets an unfair standard." One said, "I think it's a problem, I think if women want to be in the military and can reach the standards previously set then they should be given that opportunity."
Hegseth also said all service members, including high-ranking officials now need to meet weight requirements and pass physical fitness tests twice a year, demanding no more "fat generals and admirals."
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.