Prime Minister, David Cameron
British Prime Minister, David Cameron last week welcomed the recommendation of the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, that the ban on women serving in ground close combat roles be lifted from this year.
It will see women being allowed to serve on the front line in ground close combat roles for the first time.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The Chief of General Staff has recommended that we lift the ban on Women in Ground Close Combat, a view that has been supported by the other Service Chiefs.
“I agree with his advice and have accepted his recommendation. I have asked that this is implemented as soon as possible.
“It is vital that our Armed Forces are world class and reflect the society we live in. Lifting this ban is a major step. It will ensure the Armed Forces can make the most of all their talent and increase opportunities for women to serve in the full range of roles.”
The decision follows extensive research, due to be published today, which looked into three key areas of potential risk to women on the front line: musculoskeletal injury, psychological issues and impaired reproductive health.
As a result of this ‘Interim Health Report’ (IHR), combat roles will be opened to women in a phased approach over the next three years. This will begin by allowing women to serve in all roles within certain units of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) from November 2016. This will be reviewed after six months before being expanded to other units of the RAC.
The IHR showed that women joining the RAC would have less likelihood of injury than other ground close combat roles. Operating armoured vehicles is assessed to be likely to attract the highest number of applicants, anticipated to be up to 20 per year. In addition to the RAC, the change in rules will eventually apply to roles in the Infantry, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force Regiment which will be opened up to women by the end of 2018. By this point, and based upon an ongoing programme of research, a robust set of ‘Physical Employment Standards’ will be in place. These will set clear physical standards for all combat roles, for both men and women.
This five-year programme of research into the physiological impact of combat roles on men and women is expected to be completed in 2021.
Gen Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the General Staff, said: “I am delighted that we are now able to extend the opportunities for women to serve in the Army.
“Women already operate on the frontline in a variety of roles and have done so with distinction in recent conflicts.
“By allowing women to serve in all roles, we will truly help to maximise the talent available to the Army and make the Armed Forces a modern employer.”
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “I have always wanted roles in our armed forces to be determined by ability, not gender.
“Women have already given exemplary service in recent conflicts, working in a variety of highly specialised and vital roles. By opening all combat roles to women, we will continue to build on these successes and improve the operational capability of our military.”
In another development, MOD SELECTS NUCLEAR STORAGE SITE AS SUBMARINE DISMANTLING PROJECT PROGRESSES
The MOD last week announced where the intermediate level radioactive waste from decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines will be stored prior to disposal.
From five shortlisted sites, and following a thorough public consultation process, Capenhurst Nuclear Services in Capenhurst in Cheshire has been selected as the MOD’s recommendation, with AWE Aldermaston in Berkshire chosen as a fall back.
Like all the sites shortlisted, operators Capenhurst Nuclear Services already manage radioactive materials and were found to meet the Submarine Dismantling Project’s (SDP) requirements best, including offering value for money.
The site at Capenhurst will be responsible for storing the Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs), classified as Intermediate Level radioactive Waste (ILW) from decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines. Reactor Pressure Vessels are thick steel containers that held nuclear fuel when the reactors operated. The site will store these on an interim basis until permanent disposal in a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF), led by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, some time after 2040.
There are two options at CNS, Capenhurst to store submarine RPVs; the option that MOD will be taking forward, is to use an existing facility, with a second on-site contingency option of constructing a new store also available.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said: “When submarines in the Royal Navy fleet reach the end of their lives, we need to dispose of them in a way that is safe, secure and environmentally sound.
“We have worked closely with the local communities around potential sites to listen carefully to their views, and the opinions and feedback we received has played an important part in formulating our final decision.
“With Capenhurst as our recommended
site, we know that the radioactive waste from our decommissioned submarines will be dealt with properly and responsibly.”
The MOD has 19 former Royal Navy nuclear submarines currently stored afloat in Devonport and Rosyth, but the submarines can only be completely dismantled once the radioactive material and components have been safely removed. A further eight submarines that are currently still in service will also be dismantled under the Submarine Dismantling Project when they reach the end of their service lives, with the initial dismantling process supporting up to 60 skilled jobs.
All the shortlisted sites were considered fairly and equally, with the MOD looking at the factors including environmental and value for money, alongside the feedback gathered as part of the public consultation. When all this was taken into account, CNS, Capenhurst was found to meet the Project’s requirements best overall.roject when they reach the end of their service lives, with the initial dismantling process supporting up to 60 skilled jobs.
All the shortlisted sites were considered fairly and equally, with the MOD looking at the factors including environmental and value for money, alongside the feedback gathered as part of the public consultation. When all this was taken into account, CNS, Capenhurst was found to meet the Project’s requirements best overall.