Under fire
Should women have a role in hand to hand combat?
Although women in the British military make a significant contribution to the war effort they are still not able to join regular infantry units and the Royal Marines.
The Debate
Major General Patrick Cordingley
Former commander of the 7th Armoured Brigade nicknamed Desert Rats which breached Iraqi defences during the first Gulf War.
"She isn't trying to prove herself as a girl she actually wants to be a man"
Dr Victoria Basham
Lecturer in politics at Exeter University and expert in military personnel issues.
She disagrees with Major General Cordingley.
Colonel Richard Kemp
Former commander of British troops in Afghanistan and former infantry officer, explains one of the other reasons for women not being involved in hand to hand combat.
There are several countries where women do play a more active role in hand to hand combat. Israel is one of them.
One Israeli female infantry soldier explains why women should be more involved:
Irys Wienri 26,
Dog handler on check points in the Israeli Infantry 2003-2007
Women are better in combat than men
An MoD spokesperson said:
"The role of women in combat is currently under review, the results of which will be available by the end of the year.
"Women have done a huge amount, they are straight behind supporting the front line, in the same conditions not far from all the bullets...
"They do a fantastic job, its all about having the right people."
What do you think?
Find out more
- The Guardian: Women on the frontline: the right to fight