Women

Female combat clothing range launched as MOD plays catch-up

The Ministry of Defence has launched a new range of combat clothing specially designed for women.

Part of a wider push toward a more inclusive culture for female personnel, a defence minister insisted the new protection is "not virtue signalling" and will enable troops to fight optimally.

Soldiers trialling the new kit in Winchester said there was still work to be done on the design of the adapted Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest, but other feedback suggested there's now a greater fit for the female frame in life-or-death scenarios.

One member of 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said she could now rest her rifle higher on her shoulder – improving accuracy when aiming down her sights.

Corporal Emily Myatt said the issue of "massive gaps" between oversized armour plates and her upper body had been closed by "safer" and more "comfortable" kit.

Changes to the tactical vest have been subjected to testing and will be launched in April alongside newly cut clothing – the Ministry of Defence comparing 25 sizes of shirt to the 10 sizes provided by most high street shops.

Meanwhile, Army recruits beginning their training will receive a professionally fitted sports bra.

Watch: Army's sports bra initiative aims to give female recruits better experience during training.

Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, told Forces News: "Women serving – if they're slightly smaller frame, they need to ensure that they are just as well protected in a way that allows them to move and use their weapon and wear their kit and fight – given that all ground combat roles are open to women.

"It's about practicality, this is not virtue signalling.

"This is about women being able to do their jobs properly as soldiers," he added.

The announcements came on International Women's Day, but in response to last summer's critical report from MPs on female experiences in the Armed Forces, which found the majority of former and serving women had experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination (BHD).

The Government has since enabled independent processing for BHD complaints and is now aiming for 30% female inflow into the forces by 2030, after opening all roles to women in 2018.

On 1 October 2021, there were 16,710 women in the UK Regular Forces, accounting for 11.2% of the total trained and untrained strength.