In the world of military kit, the struggle for inclusivity and safety is far from over, especially when it comes to women's needs. The story of military equipment failing to fit women properly is a tale of persistent inequality, even five years after a landmark report highlighted the issue. This is not just a matter of vanity; it's a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention and action.
The 2021 Atherton report was a wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to address the unique challenges faced by women in the armed forces. The report's findings were stark: women were at 'greater risk of harm' due to ill-fitting uniform and equipment. Yet, despite the call to action, the reality for many women service personnel remains the same.
One of the key issues is the lack of consideration for women's bodies in the design of military kit. The body armour, a critical piece of equipment, is often ill-fitting for women, with flat plates not accounting for the curves and contours of a female torso. This results in a feeling of insecurity and a lack of protection, as veteran Rhian Brown explains. 'I never felt that I was neat, tidy, presentable, or in the uniform that I was meant to be in,' she says. 'I never really felt that it protected me or entirely fulfilled the purpose that it was meant to.'
The MoD's response to the Atherton report was to introduce the Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest, a body armour system with adjustable straps and smaller flat plates. While an improvement, it still falls short of the mark. 'Women are not flat, we have breasts and curves,' Brown points out. 'The plates are flat, it doesn't fit, it is not flexible - fit isn't about vanity, it's about safety.'
The issue extends beyond body armour. Ofsted's report in October 2025 highlighted that women and smaller recruits were being issued with ill-fitting kit and clothing for the 'fourth consecutive year'. This not only affects their appearance but also their ability to participate fully in training, let alone in combat situations.
The MoD's commitment to providing 'the best equipment they need to protect themselves in combat' is commendable, but the reality for women service personnel is far from this ideal. The supply of 2,000 sets of new curved body armour plates for women in the Ukrainian armed forces is a step in the right direction, but it is a drop in the ocean. The UK government's spending of £4.5bn on military support to Ukraine last year raises the question: why can't this level of investment be directed towards improving the equipment for women in the UK armed forces?
The answer lies in the complex interplay of factors. The MoD's equipment programmes go through their own testing and approval processes, which can be slow and bureaucratic. Additionally, the need for equipment to meet specific operational requirements can sometimes overshadow the need for inclusivity. As Erin Grieve from NP Aerospace explains, 'Women today are wearing flat plates that have been designed for male torsos. We are trying to address that women are not small men - they're shaped differently.'
The solution lies in a combination of factors. Firstly, there needs to be a cultural shift within the MoD to prioritize inclusivity and safety. This means listening to the needs and experiences of women service personnel and acting upon them. Secondly, there needs to be a more proactive approach to the design and procurement of equipment. The MoD's Complex Geometry Body Armour Programme, which aims to develop curved body armour plates, is a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that this programme is accelerated and that the equipment is made available to women service personnel as soon as possible.
The challenges faced by women in the armed forces are not just about equipment; they are about creating an environment where women feel welcome and supported. As RAF veteran Stacey Denyer says, 'We're not whinging for the sake of whinging - we're making noise because it is a massive safety issue.' The aspiration for the armed forces to be 30% female by 2030 is a noble one, but it will be impossible to achieve if women do not feel valued and supported.
In my opinion, the MoD has a moral and ethical obligation to ensure that all service personnel, regardless of gender, have access to the best equipment and support. The time for action is now. The future of the armed forces depends on it.
