MILITARY charity SSAFA is marking International Women's Day by celebrating the involvement of woman in the Armed Forces for more than 136 years. 

The charity spoke to trail-blazing British Army Officer, Colonel Lucy Giles, who is based in Wiltshire and is President of the Army Officer Selection Board at Westbury, about the role of women in the Armed Forces and her experiences of breaking barriers.

Colonel Lucy Giles is the first female College Commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and is currently President of the Army Office Selection Board – the first woman to take on this role.

When asked what she would say to young girls and women inspired to join the Forces, Colonel Lucy said: “I would say don’t look at what you think the Forces are about and convince yourself why you wouldn’t be good enough.

"I would say go out there and go for it and don’t let anybody ever tell you any different.

“Don’t accept no, or I can’t do that, or it’s a bit too difficult. Have a go because you will never know unless you try, because I nearly didn’t join because I didn’t think I was good enough. I mean, how rubbish is that? Look at how far what I have achieved since then.”

Colonel Lucy Giles has served in the British Army for more than 25 years, including on operations in Sierra Leone, Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.

Salisbury Journal:

Lucy was awarded Defence Woman of the Year and Inspirational Awards in 2016.

When speaking about her role model, Colonel Lucy said: “My mum and dad allowed me to be me and allowed me to enjoy life and not everyone has that opportunity so I’m very grateful for that. But when you think of someone really hard-working, that’s pretty selfless, that cracks on with things even though things can be difficult, I would say that Her Majesty The Queen is one of the most inspirational people.”

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been supporting service men and women, veterans, and their families for more than 136 years. 

SSAFA supporter, Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes, said: “Since I was 14, I had two big dreams: I wanted to be in the Army and also to win an Olympic gold medal.

"Many people tried to lower my level of ambition – some on the basis of me being a woman – but I was proud to prove them wrong and achieve both of my dreams. I know I am a strong female, a soldier, and an Olympian.

"These points of my identity coexist and enhance each other. Nothing was ever going to hold me back and I encourage any young girl with a goal to make it happen. It is an honour to have served my country alongside so many inspirational women.”