The Pentagon has ordered an investigation into whether the presence of women in 'tip of the spear' combat roles is damaging the military's ability to win wars.

A leaked memo obtained by NPR reveals that defense bosses are launching a grueling six–month review of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor and artillery units.

In a private online support group leaked exclusively to the Daily Mail, one service member raged against the double standard, writing: 'You mean your guys can't focus on the mission without trying to stick it in... not my problem.'

Another woman shared a text she sent to a colleague, blasting the scrutiny placed on female troops: 'Are we also reviewing the effectiveness of men in ground combat positions, or just assuming they're effective because they were born with a penis?'

Women represent a small share of Army combat units, with about 3,800 serving in such positions.

Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel Anthony Tata wrote in a memo that the effort is to figure out the 'operational effectiveness of ground combat units 10 years after the department lifted all remaining restrictions on women serving in combat roles.'

In a blistering demand for transparency, Tata has told Army and Marine Corps leaders they have until January 15 to appoint the 'points of contact' who will hand over the keys to the military's most sensitive data.

The investigation is being handled by the National Security non–profit Institute for Defense Analyses, and will include 'all available metrics describing that individual's readiness and ability to deploy. 

The Pentagon has ordered an investigation into whether the presence of women in 'tip of the spear' combat roles is damaging the military's ability to win wars

A leaked memo obtained by NPR reveals that defense bosses are launching a grueling six–month review of thousands of female soldiers and Marines currently serving in infantry, armor and artillery units

Another female service member has lifted the lid on a private Facebook mentorship group where thousands of military women are 'sounding off' in a high–voltage debate over the future of their careers

One user wrote, 'If you meet the standard, you should be able to do it…. They all want to ban all women just because it 'makes it complicated.' you mean your guys can't focus on the mission without trying to stick it in… not my problem'

A text message between female service members sent to the Daily Mail

The Pentagon's massive audit is causing a rebellion amongst the rank and file.

Female service members are calling it a 'sexist operation' to the Daily Mail.

'Even if this is just rhetoric, it's giving the men around us who are already sexist the opportunity and the encouragement to be more overtly sexist,' one army source explained. 'So even if there isn't an official push to push women out of positions, I worry that it will happen naturally because of this rhetoric.'