Army Chief: Women In Military Report A 'Sobering Read'

The Chief of the General Staff says "reform and improvement is non-negotiable", following the publication of a report into the experiences of women in the UK Armed Forces.

The study, 'Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life', was carried out by the Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces and found 58% of servicewomen and 64% of female veterans have experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination in the military.

The Chief of the General Staff posted on his official Twitter account: "Our reputation and performance is defined by how we treat our people and the Atherton Report on women in the Armed Forces is a sobering and challenging read.

"Culture, behaviour and leadership are all in the spotlight. Reform and improvement is non-negotiable," General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith added.

The Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces report saw roughly one in 10 female personnel currently serving in the Regulars contribute to the inquiry.

While 90% of respondents to the survey said they would recommend the military as a career, 84% said female personnel face additional challenges to their counterparts.

Last week, the British Army released a new recruitment advert aimed specifically at women.

The campaign 'A Soldier Is A Soldier' was announced on Thursday and focuses on the idea that soldiers are defined by their skills, not their gender.

Cover image: Crown Copyright.