Women could be on the verge of being allowed to serve in the British Army infantry for the first time, and could be in action by 2016.
Women Could Get Close Combat Roles For First Time
Earlier this year, a government-commissioned review was started, which looked into the roles of women in the military and concluded that combat roles should open to them.
While there is further research to be conducted into the psychological demands this would put on female personnel, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon believes that ability and not gender should be the focus.
Mr Fallon said: "Roles in our Armed Forces should be determined by ability not gender. I hope that, following further work on our training regimes and equipment, we can open up combat roles to women in 2016.
"This is a further sign of our commitment to maximising our talent in a year which has already seen the Royal Navy employ its first female submariners and two women climb to the highest-ever ranks in the RAF."
Women currently do serve on the front line in the British army, but they are currently not allowed to join infantry and armoured corps.
Should the restrictions on women be lifted by the British government, they would follow in the footsteps of the U.S, Canada, and Australian, which are nations that already have women serving in these close combat roles.
As well as doing further research into the psychological impact of working in close combat roles, the physical demands and the impact that will have on women's health will also be explored before a final decision is made.
However, the decision to possibly lift restrictions on women has been met with criticism by some.
Major General Patrick Cordingley - a former commander of the 7th Armoured Brigade - believes it is a mistake. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: "There is a political imperative. However, I think that it is a mistake from the armed forces.
"I can understand why politically it is a good thing to be seen to be doing - on the other hand, the practicalities of women in the infantry and armoured corps are considerable and should not be overlooked."