In 2004, over 11 % of the recruits were female, and women made up nearly 27% of RAF officer intake in the same period.

Among civilian staff there has also been a rising trend in the proportion of female staff from around 30% in 1994 to around 35% in 2004. The proportion of both female UK Regular Forces and of female UK-based civilians has been rising steadily over the past ten years.

The pattern of work is different between men and women. Around 17% of women work part-time compared with about 1% of men.

Since 1994, the proportion of female service personnel has increased from 7% to nearly 9%. The proportion of female service personnel in operational areas (7%) is lower than in military support areas (11%) and HQ, Defence Procurement Agency and other areas (17%). This largely reflects the fact that some areas of military service, such as the Infantry, the Royal Marines General Service, and submarines, are closed to women for combat effectiveness and health reasons.

All cap-badged posts in the Regular Infantry (and Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps) are presently closed to women on the grounds of combat effectiveness.

Source: DASA 2004 and Employment of Women in the Armed Forces Steering Group 2002

For current facts and statistics about women in the Armed Forces go to the MoD website.

For more statistics on the numbers of men and women employed in the sector by employment status see:

Employment changes in public administration and defence by gender and employment status, 1987-2002