"Uncertainty Surrounds Army Fitness Test as Nominee Testifies and Senate Plans Clash"

The nominee for Army chief of staff, Gen. Randy George, expressed his support for tougher and gender-neutral physical fitness standards during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Army has been considering setting gender-neutral fitness standards for combat arms roles, and there is a proposal in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to direct the Army to do so. However, the Senate NDAA includes a proposal to revert back to the old Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The nominee's confirmation could be delayed due to a Republican senator's hold on military officer confirmations.