The British armed forces have made a landmark move with the introduction of a tailored training framework for elite servicewomen, leveraging what they call the 'oestrogen advantage' to boost performance. This £20 million research-backed approach marks a significant departure from traditional male-centric physical performance studies.
At its helm is Dr Julie Greeves, principal physiologist in the army and co-author of the new guide. She stresses that the evidence-based method will ensure women in the military feel properly supported. The comprehensive guidance stems from decade-long research involving 22,000 serving women, which suggests female physiology may offer a distinct advantage in arduous roles – akin to ultra-running.
The blueprint incorporates customised training regimes, nutritional advice, hormone tracking, and bespoke kit. These measures aim to help women achieve strength gains comparable to men's, acknowledging that their journey might be longer. The research also highlights the need for supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, protein-rich diets, and adequate sleep to mitigate risks like stress fractures and menstrual cycle disruption – now regarded as a 'fifth vital sign' for women's health.
The implications of this research extend beyond the UK, with findings shared with NATO allies to inform their strategies for optimising female personnel performance. Veterans and People Minister Calvin Bailey emphasizes the importance of a representative military, viewing it crucial for societal engagement and national defence, especially given the ongoing 15-year recruitment and retention challenges facing the armed forces. The military aims for women to constitute 30% of recruits by 2030.
This development comes eight years after women were permitted in all combat roles in 2018. Previous research, including a study from the University of Edinburgh, indicated that female recruits were 50% more likely to suffer injuries than men, experiencing high rates of fractures, menstrual disturbance, and psychological issues linked to metabolic and hormonal imbalances. The new guidance seeks to directly address these historical disparities and provide the sex-specific support previously lacking.