written by ella smith
The British Army. What comes to mind when you think of such an organisation? Bloodshed. War. Big, strong men. Well, that is true. But only partly. Did you know, the British Army currently employs over 13,000 women in both the Regulars and Reserves? This only makes up 9% of the army, with around 76,000 men who are also employed. Mad, huh?
Now, I could go on about how this is because women are intimidated by a career dominated by men. And sure, this may relate to some women. But personally, I do not agree with this statement. I am a woman, and I am in the British Army.
Before I get into the nitty-gritty stuff, I feel as though I should share some facts with you.
Men and women are on the same pay scale in the British Amrmy, and are paid according to their rank. The army promotes people based on their performance, capability and potential. Every soldier receives an annual report, and the best people are selected for promotion.
Men and women get the same high standard of training, all role related fitness standards are the same for most roles. This makes sure that everybody is fit enough for the job. Nearly all jobs are now open for women, women can also now apply for the Royal Armoured Corps, and will soon be able to serve in the Infantry, too.
The Army is recognised as being a good employer for women, having been awarded a place in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2017, as well as winning a workplace Gender Equality Award from Business in the Community.
Women have followed into battle for centuries. As fa back as 1639-51, women would disguise themselves as soldiers to fight. In 1813-64, Dr James Barry had a distinguished career as an army surgeon. On his death, he was discovered to have been a woman. Pretty cool, right? We are good at multitasking after all boys.
On the 21st July, 1915, suffragettes marched London to persuade the authorities to widen women’s role in the First World War. By 1917-18, over 100,000 women had enrolled into military support by the end of the war.
December 1941, The National Service Act made the conscription of women legal. At first, only single women aged 20-30 were called up. But by mid-1943, almost 90 per cent of single women and 80 per cent of married women were employed in war work. December 2015, former Prime Minister David Cameron, announced all armed forces roles will be open to women.
Most of the time, I feel like Hannah Montana by leading two different lives. But rather than being a famous pop-star by night, I am training to be a soldier instead. I am proud to be a woman in a career that many believe to be dominated by men. This has been a shift forward for women working amongst men in a field that once was “just for men”.
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