Women currently account for 18% of the Australian Defence Force, and this percentage is rising. In the combat corps the percentage is slightly lower at 14%. There was a time when women were denied access to the combat corps (Infantry, Armour, Arty etc). Now all roles are available, however women tend to gravitate towards certain roles.
As for Special Forces, for some years women have been eligible to attempt the SASR selection course, without fear, favour, or prejudice. To date no women have passed.
The annual course attracts 1 or 2 women and about 100-120 men. It is not attitude, but mainly unavoidable weight loss. While guys can lose 10kg and still perform towards the end of Selection, women start lighter and have no margin for weight loss - it cripples them. For lighter candidates male or female, if they cannot carry the same weight, or hoist a simulated wounded heavier colleague over distance, or fight a heavier person on the mats with an even chance of prevailing, they are a liability in a small unit.
For the occasional job requiring women they are seconded from other units.
As for Special Forces, for some years women have been eligible to attempt the SASR selection course, without fear, favour, or prejudice. To date no women have passed.
The annual course attracts 1 or 2 women and about 100-120 men. It is not attitude, but mainly unavoidable weight loss. While guys can lose 10kg and still perform towards the end of Selection, women start lighter and have no margin for weight loss - it cripples them. For lighter candidates male or female, if they cannot carry the same weight, or hoist a simulated wounded heavier colleague over distance, or fight a heavier person on the mats with an even chance of prevailing, they are a liability in a small unit.
For the occasional job requiring women they are seconded from other units.