Women have traditionally been a minority within the Army. There are around 12 times more men than women serving, and men hold the top ranks. Women make up only 7.5pc of the personnel. The lack of women is visible during training in the yard at Gorm­anston Army Camp in Co Meath. But what is not lacking is their commitment, as they take part in every intensive task the male recruits do. And when they march, run or fire during weapons practice, female and male are as one. The Defences Forces aim to