British Defense Secretary Says Special Forces for the First Time

Women are now allowed to join the British military, including the special forces, for the first time.

The United Kingdom Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson, Salisbury Plain, located in central southern England.

"Williamson said, Sky News reported." So I am delighted that of today, for the first time in the world. its history, our armed forces will be determined by ability alone and not gender. "

A group of female soldiers pose for a photograph in a statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square after taking part in mass participation artwork "Processions" to celebrate 100 years of votes for women in June 10 in London, England.
Chris J. Ratcliffe / Getty Images

Special Services (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS), all opportunities within the elite military divisions are now available.

Williamson confirmed to British newspaper "Every single role in our armed forces" The Telegraph. "He pointed out."

Women were banned from serving in the U.K.'s close combat units until 2016. After that, they were still prevented from serving as frontline infantry units. With the military's new decision, all of them will be required to pass the same gender-neutral test, which requires a high level of muscular endurance, strength and stamina, according to officers who spoke to British media.

Although most defense analysts have welcomed the decision, some have raised concerns. Retired officer Colonel Richard Kemp said that the policy would "cost lives" and would "lead to divisiveness" that could undermine teamwork, according to The Telegraph.

Britain's Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson arrives to attend the weekly meeting of the Cabinet in Downing Street in London on October 9 TOLGA AKMEN / AFP / Getty Images

But Kat Dixon, has a 28-year-old trooper, pushed back against such arguments. "Female soldiers are already here, and my gender has not been put to a challenge because it's not a role that is off limits," Dixon, who became the first female gunner of a main battle tank, told the newspaper.

In the U.S., the Defense Department announced in December 2015 that starting next January, women would be allowed to serve in all roles of the military. The decision after consultation with leaders of the Army and the Marines. Although the Marines suggest that women be kept from a few specific combat roles, the Army disagreed and form Defense Secretary Ash Carter moved forward with the decision.

"[Women will] be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars, and lead infantry soldiers into combat. They will be able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Infantry, Air Force parajumpers and everything else that was previously open to men, "Carter said at the time.