Women are barred from the marines; most other jobs are open to both sexes.

The armed forces have a 'zero tolerance' policy on sexual harassment but it does exist in the army, navy and RAF. The Ministry of Defence is aware of this and is working with the Equal Opportunities Commission to try to tackle the problem. In 2006, an official survey found that 1 in 7 (15%) of women in the armed forces had had a 'particularly upsetting' experience of sexual behaviour directed at them personally in the last 12 months. For those in low ranks or of younger age, the rate was 1 in 5 (20%). Some women have found that it is difficult to get their complaints taken seriously.

[Source: Equal Opportunities Commission and the Ministry of Defence, 2006]

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