Women now in every rank of the British Army for the first time in history of the service
Servicewomen are serving in all 18 ranks from recruit to four-star general for the first time in history, the British Army has announced.
A special breakfast at Army Headquarters in Hampshire was held, bringing together 18 servicewomen, one from each rank, to celebrate the announcement.
One of the 18 was General Dame Sharon Nesmith, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, while General Sir Roly Walker, the Chief of the General Staff, was also in attendance.
Lady legends
"This is a significant milestone – achieved without fanfare, but with profound significance – and one that would not have been possible without the quiet professionalism, determination and commitment to service shown by generations of women," Gen Sir Roly said.
Brigadier Melissa Emmett, Head of Army Personnel Services Group, gave an opening address in which she celebrated the achievement as one of global importance.
"This is not important because it is the first time this has happened in the Army, but it is one of the first times that this [has] happened in the world, so it is important that we mark that success," Brig Emmett said.
"And it's not just a happy accident of one unique brilliant woman making it through, but lots of women being successful and almost normalising our success, they are all lady legends."
An exciting future
It is part of the Army's attempt to reflect the society it defends and builds the Army's capability, with new recruits like Megan Stewart representing a thriving future for women in uniform.
Recruit Stewart, who is currently undertaking training in Winchester, attended the breakfast as a representative of the next generation of servicewomen.
"This is amazing and it is really cool that there is a woman in every rank," she said.
"I like the way that we are celebrating women because it is different now for women in the Army. The future looks so exciting."
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