SAS recruits women for the first time but they’ll have to pass the same tough tests as men
- Job demands applicants to ‘commit to intense and extended training demands’
- SAS is seeking volunteers aged 18 to 42 for its 21 and 23 reserve squadrons
- Both sexes must be able to pass tough tests, including an eight-mile march
The SAS is advertising for female reservists for the first time.
An advert on the Army’s job website says applicants must be prepared ‘to commit to intense and extended training demands’.
The first course will begin in June. And online advertising for Special Forces reservists has been updated to state ‘male and female’ recruits are welcome.
The SAS is seeking volunteers for its 21 and 23 reserve squadrons, who must be aged between 17 years and nine months and 42 for those with no previous experience, or up to 50 years old if they have previously served in the Forces.
An advert on the Army’s job website (pictured) says applicants must be prepared ‘to commit to intense and extended training demands’
Applicants of both sexes must be able to pass the same tough tests, including a controversial eight-mile march carrying rucksacks weighing 22kg (48lb).
Former SAS reservist and author Andy McNab backed the move to advertise and added he was ‘all for’ women joining the Special Forces as long as they can pass the relevant tests.
But former SAS officer Colonel Tim Collins said: ‘This is… the Army attempting to be popular.
Former SAS reservist and author Andy McNab (left) backed the move to advertise and added he was ‘all for’ women joining, but Colonel Tim Collins (right) branded it ‘pointless’
‘The point is, it’s pointless. There already are females badged within the SAS. They are there for particular roles but do not do the same selection test.
‘We don’t want Geoff Capes (the former shotputter) with a wig on.’
Women were allowed into front-line fighting roles from last April. The first woman joined the regular SAS in May.