What year did women become eligible to join all roles in the British Armed Forces, including the Royal Marines?

The correct answer is 2018 because it marks the year when the UK government announced that women would be allowed to serve in all military roles, including frontline combat positions, across the British Armed Forces, which encompassed the Royal Marines. This significant decision reflected a shift in policy towards inclusivity and equality within the military, aiming to make use of the talents and skills of all individuals, regardless of gender. The implementation of this policy was part of a broader trend around the world where many countries began to open all military roles to women, recognizing that capability should take precedence over gender.

While prior dates reflect earlier changes in policy regarding women in the military, notably in 2012 when women were allowed to serve in certain roles and in 2016 when the government began assessing the opening of all positions, it was ultimately in 2018 that the complete transition was finalized, officially allowing women to join every position in the British military, including the Royal Marines. This reform led to new opportunities and marked an important step in modernizing the forces to better reflect society.