The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that women will continue to be excluded from close-combat roles in the armed forces, including infantry and tactical combat teams. The decision follows a review that acknowledged women are physically and psychologically capable of such roles but cited concerns over the unknown effects of gender-mixing on team cohesion.
Defence Personnel Minister Andrew Robathan stated that women are fundamental to the operational effectiveness of Britain's armed forces, noting their talent and skills. However, he added that the review found no evidence that changing the current policy would be beneficial or risk-free, leading to a precautionary approach to maintain the existing ban.
Currently, over 18,000 women serve in the UK forces, representing nearly 10% of all personnel—the highest number since World War II. Women are permitted in 71% of Royal Navy roles, 67% of Army roles, and 96% of RAF roles, but remain barred from direct combat positions.
The review, required every eight years under European rules, considered evidence from female personnel serving on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as international studies on mixed-gender combat teams. Despite this, the MoD concluded that the case for lifting restrictions had not been made.
