Today’s Defence news includes reporting on the review of women fighting on the frontline, Army vehicles and the future of the Old War Office.
Women Soldiers
The Daily Mail and Times report that the Army is moving towards a decision to lift a ban on women fighting on the frontline. The articles say that Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt and the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, are due to give speeches on International Women's Day next Tuesday in which they will celebrate women’s role in Defence and touch on MOD research into the impact of frontline infantry duty on the female body.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary are united in wanting to see all roles in the Armed Forces opened up to women. The decision on whether women should be allowed to serve in ground close combat roles is expected by the middle of this year following further physiological research.
EU Comments
The Daily Mail carries an article on comments reportedly made by an MOD civil servant on Europe. The paper says the comments were made during a staff college course in Wiltshire.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have been clear that Britain would be safer, stronger and better off inside the EU. This was an internal MOD presentation at a staff college course, and does not reflect the views of the department.
Vehicle statistics
The Sun reports on figures issued by the shadow defence secretary suggesting Army vehicles are encountering mechanical issues. The newspaper claims 6,818 faults were reported last year, affecting vehicles including Challenger tanks and armoured Land Rovers.
An Army spokesperson said:
These figures reflect the fact that the Army has upped the tempo of its use of armoured vehicles, many of which were stored during operations in Afghanistan. They include minor faults and expected wear and tear.
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