§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage women to join the armed forces. [55359]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Armed Forces are committed to maximising career opportunities for women. In April this year, the number of posts in the Army open to women increased from 47% to 70%. Three quarters of posts in the Royal Navy are now open to women. Additionally, as part of the Strategic Defence Review, we announced that 1,300 posts filled by Royal Navy and Army personnel in specialists units attached to the Royal Marines would be open to women. In the RAF, women are eligible for 96% of all posts. Women are excluded884W from posts only where their presence would be detrimental to combat effectiveness, or for practical or medical reasons.
All three Services welcome applications from women, and are making considerable efforts to encourage them to apply to join the Armed Forces. In particular, the Army regularly publishes recruitment advertisements and editorials in national and female titles. The RAF has published a recruitment brochure specifically targeted at female inquirers entitled "The World at Your Feet—Women in the RAF", and has recently run an advertising campaign featuring the most senior RAF female officer.