First woman set to join elite SAS ‘is mum and Afghan war hero, 28, who specialises in covert missions’
The experienced female soldier has been on 'countless covert operations'
A MUM is set to become the first woman to join the SAS, it was reported last night.
The 28-year-old Afghan war hero - who specialises in covert missions - has already served with Britain's elite Special Reconnaissance Regiment.
She has carried out secret undercover missions in both the UK and abroad and is now training for the gruelling SAS selection course, the reports.
A source told the paper: “She has already proved her worth in Afghanistan on countless covert operations.
“She is super-fit and highly professional – very intelligent and a real team player.
"She has already worked alongside the SAS, so many of the guys know her and trust her.
“For them, providing she passes selection, it will be no big deal. If you are good enough, then you are good enough.”
RULE CHANGE
It comes after a rule change last year that allowed women to serve in all of Britain's frontline units for the first time.
This includes the highly trained Parachute Regiment, the Royal Marines, the Special Boat Service (SBS) and the renowned SAS - dubbed the Who Dares Wins regiment.
Female recruits are now serving in tank units and some have undergone intensive infantry training.
A woman doctor already serves alongside 23 SAS - the regiment's reservist unit - but did not put herself forward for SAS selection.
It was initially thought it could be several years before a female soldier applied to join the unit due to the infantry experience needed.
I don’t think there is a place for women in the special forces at the moment
Ant Middleton
But the commanding officer of the SAS, who can’t be identified, has told his men to prepare for the arrival of women, according to the Star's sources.
Former SBS soldier Ant Middleton, who now presents Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins, has said previously: “I don’t think there is a place for women in the special forces at the moment.
“It’s moving too quickly at the moment. It needs to be a slower progression.
“I think women need to prove themselves in a combat role first.
"They can join the Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment and prove themselves in both of those.
"These are important stepping stones towards special forces selection.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
The Ministry of Defence never comments on special forces operations.
Less than 10 per cent of candidates make it through the intense SAS selection process.
It includes a 40-mile, 20-hour march in the Brecon Beacons as well as jungle exercises and interrogation training.
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