Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond has asked the government to change military job titles to better reflect that women now make up nearly 11% of the armed forces.
Despite more women in the services, some titles such as guardsman, craftsman and rifleman are still in use.
Speaking in defence questions this week, Flick said: "More and more women are pursuing careers in the forces. Will my right honourable friend look at how their personal development can be encouraged by ensuring the remaining gendered rank titles are updated to reflect the modern makeup of the services?"
In reply, Armed forces minister, James Heappey said: “My honourable friend makes a very valid point and this former Rifleman rather agrees.
“The issue of gender rank titles is something the Chiefs have been considering. Diversity and inclusion leads are working collaboratively across the services to produce an inclusive language guide for use in the spring. This guide is informed by wider work NATO has done to produce gender-inclusive language manuals.”
In the Royal Navy there are now able ratings instead of able seaman and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) is consulting on whether to change craftsman to artisan but it would need the support of the Ministry of Defence to happen.
Speaking afterwards, Flick said: “I am pleased the MoD is working on this issue and some titles have already been changed. We need more women in the armed forces and this will help foster more inclusivity.
“It is important to recognise the valuable contribution of each trade in the armed forces and make sure that they reflect gender equality.
“The MoD has not hit its target of 15% women in the armed forces so encouraging women to apply for all roles is important. Male rank titles should all be replaced to reflect this."
