[cmagryan]

I agree that the physical abilities test should be equal for men and women. That being said, women seeking the job can take it upon themselves to train until they match the male's requirements for the test. (I did it ten years ago--no one told me to do it, and I didn't tell anyone what I was doing, I just trained until I met the male standards for the run, bench press, etc. It gave me confidence and a feeling of earning the position). The debate can go on forever, but ultimately everyone knows of men and women who would be better off in another line of work.