Science could lead women to the front
The Age
Wednesday September 9, 2009
THE Federal Government has called in its scientific big guns to work out what front-line jobs women should be doing in the armed forces. The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, delivered a lengthy statement yesterday describing the work of the defence scientists making better bombs, better protection for troops from better bombs, and better camouflage from troops hiding from better bombs. Along the way he told Parliament the Defence Science and Technology organisation was also investigating the vexed question of what roles women can fill in the modern defence force. "My own view is that all categories should be open to women," Mr Combet said. "The only exceptions should be where the physical demands cannot be met according to criteria that are determined on the basis of scientific analysis rather than assumptions about gender." Many combat roles are now open to women, although they are not allowed to serve as front-line infantry; in units such as special forces, where they might be involved in hand-to-hand combat; in armoured or artillery units; or in some areas where materials toxic to unborn children are used. But they serve in front-line roles flying helicopters and jet bombers, in the headquarters of front-line units, and on submarines and ships in war zones. Mr Combet said the organisation was working with the University of Wollongong to develop a set of physical employment standards through a new joint centre of expertise. This centre would help the ADF ensure soldiers had the physical capacity to carry out critical tasks, regardless of trade classifications, rank, age or gender, he said. The standards would help guide recruits to occupations for which they were most physically suited. They might also allow others to take on jobs they were currently excluded from. Importantly, these standards could also contribute to Defence savings by reducing trade-related injuries. The standards would help the Government decide on the appropriateness of expanding the roles that women could play in the ADF, Mr Combet said. "A priority of the Government is to improve the recruitment and retention of women in the ADF. "The Government recognises that it is crucial to recruit and retain more women if the Australian Defence Force is to meet its overall force requirements." He said women already played a very important role, including on operations in areas such as Afghanistan. "The Government . . . will consider the results upon completion in the context of possibly further expanding the roles that women can play in the ADF."
© 2009 The Age