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Although ample support states that women are less physically able than men, numerous case studies refute the idea and support the belief that women can perform at the same level as men. A report done by the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine at Natick, MA, led by analyst Everett Harman, came to the conclusion that "when a woman is correctly trained, she can be as tough as any man- (D'Amico 68). A similar test, conducted by the Ministry of Defense in Great Britain, came to the conclusion that "by using new methods of physical training, women can be built to the same levels of physical fitness as men of the same size and build-(Wilson). .
In some instances, evidence supports that a woman's body structure, in certain types of warfare, is more suitable. Judith Hicks argues, "women may have a physical advantage in some types of warfare, such as guerilla conflict, where their generally smaller size will make them smaller targets- (D'Amico 68). During the conflict with the Vietnamese, US soldiers were up against small and petite guerilla fighters who were highly effective in the jungle environment(D'Amico 68). .
Another supporting argument is that women may be able to handle a higher level of pain than a man. Women have a "greater capacity to endure extremes of temperature and physical pain- states D'Amico (68). This is especially true in cases of pregnancy. The studies also suggest that "women may be better at regulating the emotional aspect of pain and therefore able to limit its emotional consequences- (Durkin). This higher level of pain could be to the captive's advantage if ever taken prisoner. .
In aerial combat, there are also differences in the effects of gravitational pull on the male and female body. Evidence shows that male pilots are better at handling bombers, but, women, because of their center of gravity, can handle fighters and the effects of G forces more successfully.