WOMEN FIGHT SHY OF THE PARAS

A MOVE to recruit women paratroopers has resulted in zero applications.

Last year David Cameron sanctioned women joining the elite Parachute Regiment for the first time since a small number were trained for special duties in the Second World War. But sources say no women have tried to sign up for the Paras’ gruelling training programme.

A senior officer at the Catterick base in North Yorkshire said: “To date, there are no female volunteers for the first 2018 course, which surprised me.

“We have been told they are opting for intelligence and logistics roles.” The Paras have been reviewing their month- long endurance test to ensure women have a fair chance of passing.

It involves a team log race, carrying a metal stretcher across open terrain, speed marching for ten miles in full kit and fighting each other in boxing matches.

Broken noses and split lips are routine injuries and any recruit who won’t stand and face an opponent is scored a “fail”. Emily Hughes, 19, of Brighton, is joining the logistics regiment.

She said: “I met about 20 girls joining at the same time – none of us want to be in the Paras.”

No women have ever qualified for the SAS or SBS. Only three have come through the Royal Marines’ Commando course.

Women do fly attack helicopters and serve in bomb disposal.