Tri-Service
Women Gearing Up For Combat
An Army reserve unit will be the first to offer frontline close combat roles to women.
The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) are a light cavalry unit, and will make the positions available from November.
Brig Gary Deakin, Commander of the 51st Infantry Brigade, welcomed the change, calling it "great news":
"We're looking forward to welcome some women into the ranks, and I think it's going to be a real success".
The Armoured Corps will be testing the concept of women in combat before the infantry.
The SNIY are a light cavalry unit using the WMIK (or Weapon Mounted Installation kit), training with their regular counterparts on Jackals.
The Jackal (picture: https://supacat.com/products/hmt/hmt400/)
Referring to the light cavalry training, Lt Col James Campell-Barnard, the commanding officer of the SNIY, said:
"It makes no difference what size or shape you are to be able to operate that vehicle, so I think that's why we're seen as... the most sensible (fit) to go for to prove the concept (of women in combat roles)".
The SNIY also organised Exercise Executive Stretch this weekend, with units from the Royal Navy, Marines, Army, and RAF working with people from industry and big business.
The organisers hope that it will lead to greater understanding between the military and business, and perhaps some future recruits, which now, might include more women.
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