Private Taibtha Allen "took careful aim with her MK-19 grenade launcher, then fired four rounds. At low range, the carcass of a old tank exploded in a flash and with fury: four direct hits" (Janofsky A10). A first for enlisted women, firing live ammunition with heavy weapons during combat training represents another obstacle limiting women's roles in the military. Even if women are integrated into training camps, they are not allowed to serve on the front lines. Opponents argue that women should not be allowed to participate in combat roles because they are not subject to the same standards of physical training as men and do not possess the physical strength necessary to be effective in combat roles. Based on these assumptions, opponents argue that women are incapable of strengthening their units and that this ineffectiveness endangers national security. Furthermore, opponents argue that the public is not ready to accept women in combat and that if women were allowed, it would promote the idea that violence against women is acceptable. However, the overall issue of allowing women into combat roles should be based on equality. If military women meet the same standards as men, they should be treated equally and given the same opportunities as men to serve in combat roles (Janofsky A10). Opponents of women in combat roles say physical training standards are unequal; women are therefore unable to compete with men in training and are unequipped for combat roles. Although standards of physical training may have been inconsistent in the past, this is no longer the case today. The military has tightened its standards, making them more equal for both sexes. Since October 1997, every male and female soldier has been required to perform 50 sit-ups in two minutes, an increase of three for men and five for women from the old standard that critics called unequal. . Additionally, both sexes are now required to run two miles, men in 16 minutes 36 seconds and women in 19 minutes 36 seconds. This requirement makes the required distance equal, while allowing women an additional 3 minutes to compensate for their weak cardiopulmonary system. Additionally, all soldiers must take an aptitude test every six months and if they fail and do not pass it within 90 days, they are discharged...