The Canadian Forces public relations personnel issued this note this afternoon, in the wake of Capt. Goddard’s death.
Today, women represent approximately 15% of the Canadian Forces population. More than 7900 women are currently serving in the regular force and more than 4800 women are serving in the primary reserve.
We opened all occupations to women in 1989 and throughout the 90's encouraged women to join the combat arms. The introduction of women to the combat arms increases our potential recruiting pool by about 100 per cent. It also provides for opportunities for all persons to serve their country to the best of their abilities.
The Canadian Forces is a world leader in terms of the proportion of women in its military, and the areas in which they can serve. The CF is highly regarded as one of the nations with the most advanced policies and highest representation of women.
Please find attached current statistics (as of 31 Mar 06) regarding serving in combat arms:
REGULAR FORCE COMBAT ARMS
- Total 12054
- Male 11829
- Female 225 = 1.9%
Reg Force Officers
- Total 2640
- Male 2541
- Female 99 = 3.75%
Reg Force NCM
- Total 9414
- Male 9288
- Female 126 = 1.34%
Primary Reserve combat arms
- Total 13897
- Male 12972
- Female 925 = 6.7%
Primary Reserve Officers
- Total 1909
- Male 1832
- Female 77 = 4.0%
Primary Reserve NCM
- Total 11988
- Male 11140
- Female 848 = 7.1%