Women In The Army

A Soldier is a soldier

There are no ‘female soldiers’ in the British Army.

Just soldiers.

A soldier is a soldier.

Equal pay.
Equal opportunities.
Equal expectations.

Find a career defined by skill not gender.

Recruiting Regular & Reserves now.

"Being in the Army gives me great career opportunities. Pay scales are transparent so I know I'm being paid the same as my male colleagues."

The British Army is at the forefront of equal pay, with men and women on the same payscale. It's not just in the pay packet that women are equal. They are also treated with the same respect as their male colleagues.

combat roles & women

In 2016, the ban was lifted by Government on women serving in ground close combat roles. This means women can now apply to any role in the British Army, this includes infantry and that women, once serving, can put themselves forward for specialist units including the SAS.

Milestones:

2016: Ban on women in ground close combat lifted
2018: Lieutenant Charlotte Lord-Sallenave commissioned into the Household Cavalry becoming their first female officer.
All roles in Armed Forces were officially open to Women.
2020: Captain Rosie Wild became first women to pass the gruelling All Arms Pre-Parachute selection.
2021: Major General Sharon Nesmith became first female officer to command at the 2 star level in the British Army.

fAMILY & THE ARMY

army housing

The Armed Forces and their families are able to live in high quality subsidised accommodation both in the UK and overseas either at or close to their place of work. This recognises that personnel move frequently often to more remote parts of the country. The majority of Army personnel and their families live in accommodation of this type. The size of the service family accommodation is determined by both rank and the size of your family.

pregnancy

Becoming a parent is a huge change in a persons life, and when combined with the unconventional lifestyle of being in the Army, it can be a daunting prospect. The army has enviable maternity and return to work packages, with up-to 26 weeks full pay. You will be well looked after during your pregnancy and all activities that you undertake fully risk assessed.

flexible working

There are 2 areas under which flexible working applies in the Army, Part-Time Working and Restricted Separation. These are considered on an individual basis, but allow service-people to reduce the number of hours that they work, or limit time away for a certain periods of their service. These can also be combined.

your questions answered...

We hear lots of questions every day from women who are thinking of joining the Army. This video covers some of the most popular topics, from sleeping arrangements to periods.

frequently asked questions

Will I receive the same pay and promotion?

Men and women are on the same pay scale and are paid according to 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.

Do I have to do the same training as male candidates?

Men and women get the same high standard of training. All role related fitness standards are the same, and unrelated to gender. This makes sure that everyone is fit enough to do the job.

Will I be able to involve my family in events?

Yes the Army host many family days at local units. There are good, established communities with provision for ensuring your family are involved with your Army life.

Will I deploy on operations?

In the main part, yes, deployment is part of being in the Army. If there are specific reasons why you cannot deploy at anytime you may be able to look at restricted separation as per the flexible working policy.

Does the Army care about my welfare?

The Army takes the welfare of all its soldiers very seriously, and offers a wide range of support.

Where will I sleep?

At initial training you will have a single sex dormitory. When training is complete you will be placed in unit housing, most units now have en-suite accommodation for single soldiers. Those who are married, in a civil partnership or single with children will be entitled to a house.

If I'm based abroad, where will my children go to school?

Whilst in countries like Cyprus, there will be a school for service children. However, there is usually an option to board your children in a UK school whilst you are posted abroad.

Do I have to be fit to join the Army?

The Army has fitness standards which need to be both met and maintained. You don't need to worry about these, as they are at a level that, with training, women can meet.

make up & hair in the army

The Army now allows a range of hair styles for their service women. The Army has relaxed the requirement for women with long hair to tie it up in a bun and will allow individuals to choose how they wish to wear their hair in uniform. The new options include; a ponytail or plait, braids, twists, cornrows or locks. If your hair is short it must be above the collar and of a neat style.

In addition service women may also wear hair extensions, weaves and wigs providing they are of a neutral colour, do not extend below the belt, and can be worn with the appropriate headdress. Women in the army are permitted to wear makeup – however it has to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance, after training this includes natural eyelash extensions, and nail polish although this cannot be of bright colour.

Hijabs

A hijab may be worn by Muslim female soldiers and officers with all orders of dress.

earrings

When conducting normal duties one small stud may be worn in each ear.

hairstyles

Hair may be worn in plait, braid, twist, cornrows or locks.

extensions & fillers

Hair extensions, eyelash extensions and lip fillers are permitted as long as they are natural looking.

jewellery

When in ceremonial uniform only a wedding ring can be worn.

nails

No bright nail polish is allowed, however nails can be manicured and, even painted if natural-looking.

the locker - explore the army lifestyle

Female soldiers and officers are involved in every aspect of Army life. Watch some of our videos to find out how women in the Army are a part of every thing that the Army does - from operations to sporting achievements.