(MOD) Women in ground close combat roles - review

The MOD has today launched a review into its policy governing women serving in ground close-combat roles. Servicewomen are currently excluded from roles where there is a requirement to deliberately close with and kill the enemy face to face.

This review is required by European Community (EC) Law, which states that the UK Armed Forces are bound to conduct a review every eight years, under the Equal Treatment Directive. The last review was undertaken in 2002 and it concluded that the policy to employ only male personnel in certain close combat roles should remain.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth said:

"Women are now serving in more posts on the front line than ever before and their contribution to the Armed Forces is essential.
"This review will include a thorough assessment of women's roles in recent operations. It will also examine the attitudes of Service women and men and those of the commanders on the ground to assess the potential impact of mixed-gender teams on combat effectiveness. We will take account of all the experience we have gained in Afghanistan and Iraq since the last review to help determine whether our policy should remain the same."

Women currently serve with bravery and distinction on the front line in many ground combat support roles including Forward Observation Officers, Forward Air Controllers, and as medics. They are, however, precluded from serving in roles with the Royal Marines (General Service), the Household Cavalry, the Royal Armoured Corps, the Infantry, and the RAF Regiment.