October 30, 2018: Women will be allowed to apply for all military roles in the British armed forces, including in frontline infantry units and the Royal Marines, the British government has announced. The defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, said that with immediate effect, women already serving in the army could transfer into infantry roles. Those not currently serving would be able to apply for infantry roles in December, with new recruits starting basic training in April 2019.

Williamson also confirmed that women were now able to apply to join the Royal Marines, with selection starting before the end of the year. Training courses will begin at Royal Marines Commando training centre in Lympstone, Devon, in early 2019.

Read more: All roles in UK military to be open to women, Williamson announces (www.theguardian.com)