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Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 December 2016. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Thursday, 24 November 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Army: Women

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many applications or other expressions of interest have been received from female soldiers for ground close combat roles.

Answer

On 8 July 2016, the former Prime Minister announced that the previous exclusions on women serving in Ground Close Combat roles in the Royal Marines, Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), Infantry and Royal Air Force Regiment were being lifted. The implementation is in a phased approach over the next three years, beginning with the RAC which is open now with other roles opening from 2018.

As at 9 November, 70 applications to join the Army have been received from females expressing a preference for service as a soldier in the RAC, and less than five female soldiers have applied to transfer to the RAC.

Officers do not make an application to join a specific cap badge before enlistment, as selection for regiments takes place during the first and second terms at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Based on the one intake at RMAS since the exclusion was lifted, less than five potential female officers have expressed an interest in serving in the RAC.

Please note that all figures have been rounded to the nearest five as a means of disclosure control to preserve anonymity.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3309
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Army Women
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk