The British military has launched a new blueprint for elite servicewomen, based on a decade-long £20m study involving 22,000 serving women, aiming to unlock the 'oestrogen advantage' and improve recruitment and retention. The guidance, developed by top military scientists, provides sex-specific training, nutrition, hormone tracking, and kit tailored to female physiology.
Key Findings and the 'Oestrogen Advantage'
Dr Julie Greeves, the army's principal physiologist and co-author of the guide, states that historically, physical performance research has been based on male data. The new evidence-based approach ensures women feel properly supported. Research shows women's bodies can draw energy from fat stores rather than muscle, aiding performance during prolonged arduous patrols, similar to ultra-running. Greeves describes this as the 'oestrogen advantage in defence,' adding that global militaries have been missing a trick by not exploiting this.
Tailored Training and Injury Prevention
The study found that with tailored training, women make similar strength gains to men but require more time, along with supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, protein-heavy diets, and extra sleep. Without such measures, women face higher risks of stress fractures and menstrual disruption, which should be viewed as the body's 'fifth vital sign.' Women in the military are 50% more likely to be injured than men, according to the research.
Recruitment and Retention Crisis
Women currently make up about 12% of the British armed forces. To combat a 15-year recruitment and retention crisis and meet a target of 30% female recruits by 2030, better support is vital, says veterans and people minister Calvin Bailey. 'Wars are won by society,' he notes, emphasizing the need for a representative military. Bailey, a former RAF wing commander, admits progress has been too slow, with female personnel having to fight not just adversaries but also kit, equipment, and training programmes.
Equipment and Kit Improvements
A landmark 2021 report by former Conservative MP Sarah Atherton found the military was 'still a man's world,' with servicewomen facing life-threatening injuries due to ill-fitting uniforms and equipment. At the launch of the new guidelines, period products, high-performance sports bras, and 'she pees' devices for urination on mission were showcased. However, critics say equipment rollout remains glacial, with one servicewoman noting that kit runs out and some buy their own.
Global Implications
Researchers are sharing findings with Nato allies, potentially influencing how female personnel are trained worldwide. The guidance could unlock potential in female recruits, leveraging evolutionary aspects of female physiology. Greeves says the influence on Nato counterparts is 'mind blowing.'
