LONDON, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon announced Thursday that from September women in the Royal Air Force (RAF) will be recruited for ground close combat roles.
About 5,000 of the 30,000 service people in the RAF are women, and some already pilot planes, but at the moment they are now allowed to engage the enemy in close combat exchanges.
Speaking at the annual RAF Air Power Conference in London, Fallon praised the opening up of close combat roles to women, ahead of schedule, describing it as a defining moment in the RAF's history.
The opening of the RAF Regiment to women means that from September 2017, every trade and branch in the RAF will be open to all genders, including combat in warplanes.
The RAF Regiment is the Air Force's ground fighting force, protecting RAF bases, aircraft and equipment at home and abroad.
Fallon said: "A diverse force is a more operationally effective force. I'm delighted the RAF Regiment will be open to recruitment to women from September.
"Individuals who are capable of meeting the standards for the regiment will be given the opportunity to serve, regardless of their gender. This is a defining moment for the RAF, as it becomes the first service to have every trade and branch open to both genders," Fallon said.
The RAF Regiment was due to open its recruitment to women by the end of 2018, at the same time as the Infantry and Royal Marines.
Now the opportunity to recruit women into the Regiment earlier than expected has become available due to a review of work practices.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier said: "The RAF is committed to providing equal opportunity to all, so it's fantastic to be able to open recruitment to the RAF Regiment to women ahead of schedule.
"We want the best and most talented individuals to join the Air Force, regardless of their gender, race, or background. A diverse force is a more effective force, and we need the best people to deliver the important work we do, be it defeating Daesh (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, or protecting Britain's skies."
