Women can now apply for ANY role in the military including the SAS
All roles in the military, including the Special Forces, are now open to women
WOMEN can apply to any role in the military, the Defence Secretary announced today.
Gavin Williamson revealed that, as of today, women already serving in the Army are able to transfer into infantry roles - including the Special Forces.
Mr Williamson said: "Women have led the way with exemplary service in the armed forces for over 100 years, working in a variety of specialist and vital roles.
"So I am delighted that from today, for the first time in its history, our armed forces will be determined by ability alone and not gender.
"Opening all combat roles to women will not only make the armed forces a more modern employer but will ensure we recruit the right person for the right role."
Those not currently serving will be able to apply for infantry roles in December of this year, with new recruits starting basic training in April 2019.
The historic day was marked at a land power demonstration on Salisbury Plain, involving some of the first women to join the Royal Armoured Corps.
The Defence Secretary also confirmed women are now able to apply join the Royal Marines, with selection starting before the end of this year.
The Royal Armoured Corps was the first ground close combat branch to open its doors in November 2016 to female soldiers and officers, followed by the RAF Regiment in September 2017.
The SAS may have its first female soldier by the end of next year — after undergoing the same gruelling selection process as men.
Ex-SAS hero Andy McNab said last night: “If they pass, they understand what they’re getting into, then they fight.”
But ex-SBS sniper Ant Middleton, star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, said females should “prove themselves in a combat role first” before being allowed to join.
Women will be welcomed on to the Combat Infantry Course at Catterick barracks, North Yorks, where female dorms and shower blocks are being arranged.
An MoD spokesman said: “There is now no gender caveat on any role within defence.”
Dog handler Beth Johnson, 19, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, yesterday helped storm a village at Copehill Down, Wilts, with medic Vicky Helsby, 29.
Beth said: “I’m not worried about close combat fighting because I’m prepared.”
Reservist Kat Dixon, 28, one of the country’s first tank gunners, admitted: “I’d be worried. Not because I’m a woman, but because I’m going into battle.”
Frontline pioneers
THE US opened all roles to women in 2016 and in 2017 the first woman graduated from the infantry officer course of the Marine Corps.
In New Zealand women are allowed in the Special Air Service but none have yet been selected.
Countries which allow women in frontline combat roles include Germany (since 2001), Israel (2000), Australia (2013) and Norway (1988).
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Since November 2016 the Army has about 35 women either serving or being trained to join the Royal Armoured Corps, with a number of personnel already being deployed in their new role to Estonia and Oman.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "While the military does not necessarily expect large numbers of women to apply for ground close combat roles, the changes are aimed at creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and making the most of their talents.
"By making all branches and trades of the military open to everyone, regardless of their gender, the armed forces are building on their reputation of being a leading equal opportunities employer."
Selection is hardest
THE SAS selection test, deemed the world’s toughest, starts with four weeks’ Brecon Beacons hill training.
Further tests include a 25m swim with full kit before training moves to nine weeks’ survival in the jungle.
This is followed by 14 weeks’ specialist training in the UK including surveillance.
Then there is survival and evasion training and 36 hours of interrogation resistance training.