Should Every Service Member Meet Combat Standards? A Veteran Responds.

Question:

“Hey Kirk, is it the current policy of our armed forces that everyone that puts on the uniform must physically perform to a certain physical standard in case all hell breaks loose and everyone is called to battle? I honestly have no idea and appreciate you serving in any capacity you did or can!”

Answer:

This is a fair and important question—one that cuts to the heart of what it means to serve in uniform.

Yes, across all branches of the U.S. military, there are standardized physical fitness requirements. These are primarily designed to ensure that service members are prepared for combat situations. The assumption is that in a crisis, anyone in uniform might be called upon to fight. That’s the foundation of military readiness.

But here’s where the nuance matters—and where the #ReasonableRanks campaign steps in.

Not every military job requires combat action. In fact, there are tens of thousands of essential support roles—from dispatchers and analysts to logisticians and technical specialists—that do not involve the battlefield directly. These roles are vital to mission success, and they require a different kind of readiness: mental clarity, technical skill, and experience.

So when an injured service member is still mentally fit, trained, and eager to serve—but no longer meets combat standards—should they be discharged outright? Or should they be evaluated for reassignment into one of these many support positions?

This is what #ReasonableRanks is about: giving veterans a chance to finish their careers with dignity—through reassignment to meaningful roles—rather than being forced out prematurely because of a change in physical ability. It’s not about lowering standards for combat. It’s about recognizing that service comes in many forms, and honorably continuing that service should be an option when it’s still possible.

If you believe veterans deserve more than a one-size-fits-all policy, I invite you to learn more and support the campaign here: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

Written by:

Kirk Carlson

USMC Veteran | Founder, #ReasonableRanks Campaign

kirkbcarlson@covenantofcourage.com | (323) 471-7279