Colonel Richard Kemp (pictured) has sparked a backlash after suggesting women are not strong enough to serve on the frontline
A British colonel has been branded a ‘sexist dinosaur’ after suggesting women are not strong enough to serve on the frontline as the RAF becomes the first branch of the Armed Forces to recruit females to all of its roles.
The air force has started accepting females for the RAF Regiment – its ground-fighting force – following on from last year’s decision to lift the ban on women serving in close combat roles.
It means women can now apply for any RAF role – including fighter pilot.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon had previously hailed the move as a ‘defining moment’ for Britain’s armed forces.
But Colonel Richard Kemp, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, said he was strongly opposed to plans to allow women to serve in the infantry from next year.
He told the BBC: ‘My concern is primarily in terms of physical capabilities and the effects that long-term stresses and strains of infantry training and operations will have on a woman’s body.
Furious: Colonel Kemp’s comments have led to him being branded a ‘sexist dinosaur’ on Twitter
‘Once you have got through the selection, you then are subjecting yourself to a minimum of four years of intensive physical training day in and day out, which puts enough of a strain on a man’s body.
‘I think the reality is we will find many more women than men suffer injuries… and we will then undoubtedly see very significant compensation payments being made out of the defence budget.
‘And the nature of woman’s bodies means that some of the injuries are going to be more significant in terms of being able to bear children and the like.
More women will be able to follow in the footsteps of RAF Tornado pilot Juliette Fleming
Colonel Kemp’s comments come as the RAF become the first branch of the Armed Forces to open up recruitment for all of its roles to women
‘I am not a doctor, but I have certainly read up on this and that is a problem.’
His comments sparked a backlash online, with Twitter users branded him sexist.
Twitter user Winston Smith said: ‘Colonel Richard Kemp being an absolute sexist dinosaur saying women not strong enough to fight on front line.’
Gemma Dellbridge wrote: ‘Old fart Richard Kemp on @bbcbreakfast reducing women to baby ovens. Nice.’
Gumdrops75 typed: ‘Wow, Colonel Richard Kemp is a true definition of sexism personified.’
Dr Anita Mitra commented: ‘Richard Kemp, where is your evidence? Sounds like misogynistic bull to me!’
Controversial: Colonel Kemp said more women in frontline roles would see more injuries and result in an increase in compensation payments out of the defence budget
Angharad said: ‘I’ve woken up in the past. Richard Kemp on #bbcbreakfast saying women can’t physically cope with front line. How about let women decide?’
Phil Seymour wrote: ‘Where did @BBCBreakfast get Richard Kemp from, the 1960s? Incredible views. I was waiting for him to say “a woman’s place is in the home.’
Tome Levi said: ‘Richard Kemp – I’m so appalled with this display of sexism. Women are ABSOLUTELY CAPABLE of 4yrs of intensive training!’
And Sarah Dalesman added: ‘furious listening to the outdated sexist @COLRICHKEMP on @BBCBREAKFAST. More injuries due to equipment designed for men not women perhaps?’
And former British Army major Judith Webb argued women had been proven to be capable in such roles.
She said: ‘My concern has always been to ensure that research is carried out so that women know exactly what they are in line for.
‘Being aware of our physical differences is an important aspect, but that is where I feel research has now been carried out.
‘We want to promote diversity and get the best people, and if we have got women who want to do it, who are capable of doing it – then of course they should be able to do it.’
Though the RAF has been opened up to women, they will still have to wait a year before they can apply to be part of army infantry units or the Royal Marines, where there is a greater demand for physicality.
Though the RAF has been opened up to women, they will still have to wait a year before they can apply to be part of army infantry units or the Royal Marines, where there is a greater demand for physicality.
Then Prime Minister David Cameron lifted the ban on women serving in close combat units in 2016.
The 2,000-strong RAF Regiment patrols and protects RAF bases and airfields.
At present women make up 10% of the RAF.
The RAF has made history by becoming the first branch of the British Armed Forces to accept women to all of its roles. It means women could now become fighter pilots (stock picture)