General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the General Staff, has commented after the ban on women serving in ground close combat roles was lifted.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the General Staff, said:
“I am delighted that we are now able to extend the opportunities for women to serve in the Army.
Women already operate on the frontline in a variety of roles and have done so with distinction in recent conflicts.
By allowing them to serve in all roles, we will truly help to maximise the talent available to the Army and make the Armed Forces a modern employer.”
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
“I have always wanted roles in our armed forces to be determined by ability, not gender.
Women have already given exemplary service in recent conflicts, working in a variety of highly specialised and vital roles. By opening all combat roles to women, we will continue to build on these successes and improve the operational capability of our military.”
According to the MoD, The decision follows extensive research which looked into three key areas of potential risk on the front line: musculoskeletal injury, psychological issues and impaired reproductive health.
As a result of this ‘Interim Health Report’, combat roles will be opened in a phased approach over the next three years.
This will begin by allowing women to serve in all roles within certain units of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) from November 2016. This will be reviewed after six months before being expanded to other units of the RAC.
Well that’s knackered that then, every time a woman gets shot everything will come to a halt! Squaddies will have to watch their language and there will be more sex, disciplinary problems and rejection problems with the lads? Oh what a web we weave! I hope that all women in Britain also now realise that they are eligible for call up as well as the men if Britain ever goes to war again which is likely. I don’t think the public actually realise that?
It will be difficult but we will have to change the mindset of both our troops and the public as to how male and female combatants should work together and interact. I just hope we don’t have to create extra work by people demanding separate accommodation in FOB’s or special treatment for females, as is sometimes the case.