Time for All-Female Submarine Crews in the Royal Navy?

Is it time for the Royal Navy to embrace the idea of all-female submarine crews? The selection of female submariners isn’t just a question of gender equality—it involves intricate considerations related to officer recruitment, training, and retention. This article explores the current landscape of women in submarine warfare and the necessary steps to achieve a fully-female crew, if and when it becomes feasible.

The Current Situation

Currently, the Royal Navy (RN) lacks the necessary number of women qualified as submariners, making the all-female submarine crew an unrealistic aspiration. The biggest hurdle lies in recruiting, training, and retaining officers for the Warfare branch. While there is a plentiful supply of capable female engineers, the Warfare branch, which involves extensive tactical training, presents a different challenge.

The Unique Officer Structure

A key distinction between the Royal Navy and U.S. Navy lies in their officer structure for submarines. In the Royal Navy, the captain of a submarine is not an engineer but a Warfare branch officer who has dedicated their entire career to the tactics of submarine warfare. This specialization is particularly demanding, with the Warfare branch being one of only two career paths in the UK armed forces exempt from the Harmony rules, which govern separation from home bases.

The officer limit for the Royal Navy is set at 660 days away from home in a rolling three-year period, significantly higher than the 498-day cap for the army and RAF. Submarine Warfare branch officers are expected to spend well over 660 days away from home during their initial ten years of service, making the career demands particularly intense.

Potential Barriers to All-Female Crews

While there are certainly capable women who could potentially serve as RN submarine captains, several factors need to be addressed:

Officer Recruitment and Retention: There must be a sufficient number of female officers in the Warfare branch to support the growth of all-female crews.

Career Commitment: A high percentage of women need to be willing to pursue a long-term career in submarine warfare, rather than following a shorter path.

Logistical Challenges: As some users have pointed out, the combination of female crew members having regulated menstrual cycles could affect crew dynamics and potentially mission effectiveness.

Expert Insights and Personal Reflections

An ex-“Stoker” (engineer) shares a logical perspective on the issue, stating, “Logically, there shouldn’t be an issue. A mat is a mat is a mat; sex doesn’t matter.” However, he also raises valid questions about the availability and career commitment of female officers.

In personal comments, a male user raises an interesting point about the synchronization of menstrual cycles among women living in close proximity, which could theoretically affect the crew's physical and emotional states. Over forty years of marriage, he notes, implies that such a synchronization could be a significant risk.

Conclusion

While there is potential for all-female submarine crews in the Royal Navy, significant progress is needed in officer recruitment, training, and retention in the Warfare branch. Moreover, practical and logistical considerations, such as the potential impact of menstrual synchronization, must be carefully addressed before such a crew can be fully realized.

The Royal Navy is making strides towards inclusivity and diversity, but the journey towards all-female submarine crews remains a aspiration rather than a reality. As we continue to address the complexities of this path, we must adhere to the highest standards of performance, safety, and operational effectiveness.