U.K. officials cheered a military milestone this week: all armed forces roles are open to women.
U.K. officials cheered a military milestone this week: all armed forces roles are now open to women.
The elite Special Air Service (SAS) and the Royal Marines are looking to fill their ranks with women who are ready, willing and able.
Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson made the announcement on Thursday.
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“Women have led the way with exemplary service in the armed forces for over 100 years, working in a variety of specialist and vital roles,” he said in a press release, Military Times reported. “So I am delighted that from today, for the first time in its history, our armed forces will be determined by ability alone and not gender.”
The move fulfills an integration process that began in 2016 when combat field jobs were first made available to women.
“We recognize people for their ability, not their gender, so any person with the right skills to be a Commando is welcome in the Royal Marines,” Maj. Gen. Charlie Stickland, commandant general Royal Marines, added in a press release.
New recruits can apply for the positions in December. Existing personnel may immediately seek out a new military occupational specialty.
