In 1977, the Department of the Army informed women recruits of a new basic training program. Tests had proven to DOA that young women “could handle more challenging tasks than anyone ever thought possible.”

As a result, the Army, is implementing a common course of instruction in basic training to be given to both male and female enlistees...strenuous and rigorous but within your capability. You will also participate in fire and maneuver, and the full span of weapons training. The intent of the training is not to make a combat soldier out of you (women may not be assigned to combat or direct combat support operations) but to give you confidence to perfrom in your military skill at the optimum level of proficiency ...Challenging? Yes. ...Often you will be confronted with tasks that appear to be insurmountable. Often you will be amazed that you can do it, that you can take on a challenge and succeed. ...