Elite SAS launch recruitment drive to encourage women to join its ranks

11 February 2023 , 18:11

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The Army believe that women could bring an extra element to the SAS (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Special Air Service top brass want female troops to join the Army’s elite regiment.

They believe women will add a new dimension to the fighting force with the motto “Who Dares Wins”.

One in ten of the armed forces are women but there are none in the SAS or its sister regiment the Special Boat Service. In an unofficial recruitment drive, the regiment has visited the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Berks, and the Infantry Battle School in Wales.

But sources warn any female hopefuls will face the same gruelling six-month selection as male troops. Around 100 volunteer each year but only ten pass. So far, only two women are believed to have tried.

SAS hopefuls face a grueling six-month selection process (Getty Images)

One senior source said: “The SAS is probably the least sexist ­regiment in the Army because everyone is judged on merit.

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“The view from many is that female troops are an untapped resource and if they can pass the selection process they will be welcomed unreservedly.”

The ban on women serving in frontline units, including the SAS and SBS, was lifted in 2018.

Sean Rayment