Canada has had females in all the combat arms trades for dozens of years now. Yes the Canadian Armed Forces has lowered all the standards to accommodate this political decision to open up all trades across the entire spectrum of Army , Navy, Air force with exception of service in Subs, I am not sure at this time if that is still the case..
I have served with female Infanteers, and other trades as well both in the ranks, or as officers and have not found one that i would not trust my life to, or go into battle with . Those that are not fit have been weeded out long ago, same as their male counter parts, everyone has proved their worth in training on many occasions before going into combat....
you bring up many valid points about strength, endurance, or the ability to defend themselves, and while they are not all created equal, in the physical being , you place a C-7 rifle in their hands, give them the training they require to defend themselves and you have a soldier, not just any soldier, but one that has had to prove herself or himself over and over again to ensure her or his comrades they belong there, that they have earned the right to fight with and beside any other Canadian soldier.
I've seen 120 lb female medic throw a 220 lb infanteer over her should and run down an ally under fire. and while i have not served under a female infantry officer , i have had good friends comment on some of the female officers in the CAF and said they performed better than any male officer they have served under and would do it again.
Do i think the standards are to low , yes i do, .....I also think that over time anyone can achieve any standard, if you have the will and drive..... while females are not known for being great on the physical side, there are a lot that have gone farther than their male counter parts of the same stature. everyone brings something to the table, it is a platoon commanders role to bring that out and to use that ability for the greater good of the platoon. Remember in todays modern combat , everything is not as physical as it once was, a lot more mechanization, such as hybred suits or attachment braces that allow persons to carry heavy loads, improved rucksacks the list is endless.....everyday the physical barriers get less and less.