Ministry of Defence’s new £110,000-a-year diversity chief takes aim at armed forces’ ‘sexist’ ranks

The Ministry of Defence’s new £110,000-a-year diversity chief is taking aim at ‘sexist’ ranks in the armed forces including rifleman, airshipman and airman. 

Samantha de Forges, who was appointed in the new role in February, is leading a review into military titles which will happen next year. 

The head of the Royal Navy, Lord Ian West, who may be forced to give up his title, last week described demands to change ranks as ‘ultra, ultra-woke pressure’.  

Women have been allowed to serve across all roles in the armed forces since 2018 and decisions about rank names were left up to individual units.  

Samantha de Forges (pictured), who was appointed in the new role in February, is leading a review into military titles which will happen next year

The head of the Royal Navy, Lord Ian West (pictured), who may be forced to give up his title, last week described demands to change ranks as ‘ultra, ultra-woke pressure’

Senior defence sources told The Sunday Times: ‘The exercise is looking at [ranks and titles] that may be considered dated.

‘Part of that review gives consideration to rebranding those ranks that may not be considered gender-neutral.’

Lord West warned that if new titles are created which complicate the hierarchy of the armed forces it could undermine its ability to protect the UK.   

The MoD told the publication: ‘We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.’