Female Defence Force soldiers get combat roles with new uniform

The Australian military’s one-size-fits-all approach is set to be ditched as women take on combat roles with a new uniform.

Private Chloe Hunt from Toowoomba. Picture: Gary Ramage

The Australian military’s one-size-fits-all approach to a neutral standard of gender equality is set to be abandoned literally, in one of the biggest shake-ups in the ranks that is likely to see more women take up combat roles.

For decades the Australian Defence Force has resisted internal criticism that men and women had to be treated equal in a blanket dogma that ironically worked against most females reaching full potential.

Now that is about to change as after four years the ADF finally sized up its military effectiveness and realised the unisex approach to combat kit and uniforms was “impacting the performance” notably for women on the frontline.

The US armed forces made that realisation much earlier when in 2014 it became the first force in the world to introduce body armour specifically designed for the female form, understanding men and women were substantially physically different.

Lance Corporal Rebecca Baxter from the 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment adjusts the prototype female heavy-webbing harness and belt on Private Jessica Russell from the 8th/7th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment. Picture: Captain Kristen Cleland

An internal study by the ADF done since women were allowed in combat roles in 2016 pointed to more women now wanting to enter combat roles, as females in Army units across the country test new kit.

After extensive consultation with female soldiers in 2019, Army boots designed for female feet will be rolled out this year with “thousands” of soldiers in the next 12 months to trial other kit designs including body armour plate shape which last month was being trialled by elements of 7th Brigade in Brisbane.

Private Navdeep Gill from the 4th Combat Service Support Battalion tries on the prototype Size 0 helmet and H Back Retention System at the Diggerworks Innovation Hub. Picture: Captain Kristen Cleland

Last month, Defence’s Diggerworks Groups – a joint collaboration of the military’s scientists from DST Group, Army and the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group – collaborated with Army Reserve members from the 4th Brigade in Victoria to showcase the female-specific options being introduced and developed.

“We have listened to the women who use the items and we want to help Army get the right products to those women on the ground who need it, as quickly as we can – we can learn as we go,” Diggerworks director Colonel Gerry Berson said.

“We have also collaborated with some of our international partners, as they have encountered similar issues with unisex field equipment and combat uniforms.”

On patrol in standard kit at Camp Qargha north of Kabul in Afghanistan as part of ADF’s Force Protection Element are Lance Corporal Linda Keefe from Perth, Cpl Moira Walker from Melbourne and Private Chloe Hunt from Toowoomba. Picture: Gary Ramage

Army’s Integrated Soldier Systems branch Brigadier David Smith said they may seem like simple things but were feeback based and practical like redesigning harnesses inside backs of helmets into an H shape to allow women to comfortably have their hair in a bun or ponytail.

Having smaller helmets available too would better cater for those with smaller heads including some men.

“We are getting an increasing number of women entering the defence force and particularly moving into combat roles that previously were the reserve of men, that’s given us the opportunity to say ‘ok what are the requirements women may have … and what can we do to enhance their equipment and uniforms to allow them to be the best they possibly can be. And there will be benefits that flow regardless of gender.”

Other designs being developed include packs, webbing harnesses and belts, combat uniforms, helmets, protective undergarments and sleeping bags.

Adjutant at the 8th/7th Battalion, the Royal Victoria Regiment Captain Liz Normand said the team at Diggerworks was creating solutions that would fundamentally change and enhance the capability of women in combat roles.

On the front line in Afghanistan, Jacqui de Gelder a medic from 3 Combat Support Battalion, on patrol in Chora. Women will not have custom kit for deployments. Picture: Gary Ramage

“They understand that women are not just smaller versions of men,” Captain Normand said.

“Their consultation process leaves me confident that the products they develop will be tailored to prevent injury and increase effectiveness. This is an exciting project that encourages female participation in combat roles.”

Under a current ADF directive: “actions are being taken to remove the direct and indirect structural and cultural barriers preventing women from achieving their full potential and full participation”.

In January a new optional general duty dress uniform for women was also introduced, based on the RAAF’s VIP aircrew look, designed “to provide female members an option to present a feminine contemporary and stylish appearance while maintaining Army’s corporate identity”.