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.”
