The Swiss Army wants to attract more women.
(CNN) -
For the first time in history, the Swiss military will give its recruits women women's underwear as the force seeks to attract more women to its ranks.
Currently, female soldiers are given men's underwear, but two different sets of women's underwear will be tried on, for warmer and colder climates, during a rehearsal that begins next month, said Kaj-Gunnar Sievert, a spokesperson for the organization. acquisitions of Armasuisse, the Swiss armed forces, on Wednesday.
Armasuisse told CNN in a statement that "the army's previous equipment and uniforms were very few or not tailored to the specific needs of women."
Switzerland searches for the owner of a package of gold bars forgotten on a train
The underwear test is part of a broader update to military uniforms, which were developed and designed in the 1980s, according to Armasuisse.
"During the development phase, women's ergonomics were taken into account, among other things," the statement continues.
advertising
While men and women will wear the same combat uniforms, the items have been updated to allow for individual adjustments.
For example, the new camo pants will feature an adjustable waistband.
The underwear news comes shortly after the military announced its desire to attract more female recruits.
To mark International Women's Day earlier this month, the Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport said it wanted to increase the proportion of women in the military.
Switzerland: environmentalists protest respecting social distancing
The Ministry said it will implement a "new service for women" and promote "the reconciliation of military service, work, education and family."
Women make up less than 1% of the Swiss military, but officials want to increase that proportion to 10% by 2030. In 2019, Viola Amherd became the first defense minister in the country's history.
army