Brit Army women officers' seek end to combat ban
29 Sep 2008, 1858 Hrs

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London, Sept 29 Female officers in the British defence forces have warned that they will use human rights laws to overturn an existing combat ban.

A leaked document drawn up by an Army legal chief, said that there is a need to change positions on women not being allowed to join the infantry, the Royal Marines, the Royal Armoured Corps and the Household Cavalry.

"There must be a real chance of further challenge. This assumption is based on the increasing use of women in combat roles, the number of female casualties and the number of gallantry awards," Sun quoted Brigadier Philip McEvoy.

They have performed excessively well as medics, forward air and artillery controllers, gunners and engineers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of them have been awarded with top bravery medals also.

A Tory MP Patrick Mercer said on Sunday that allowing women fight would solve infantry's shortage crisis also.

"If they can pass the selection tests, they should be allowed to join," he added.

But the Ministry of Defence says, "For combat effectiveness reasons, women do not serve in roles where they may be required to engage the enemy deliberately in face-to-face combat." (ANI)