Number of Pakistani women officers taking combat courses in US rises 150% in 10 years – report
ISLAMABAD: The number of Pakistani female officers receiving military training in the United States has increased by 150 percent over the past decade, according to a report released this month by the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
Since 2013, the number of Pakistani female military personnel participating in the International Military Education and Training Program (IMET) has increased significantly. Sponsored by the State Department, the program aims to build military-to-military relationships with partner nations by funding overseas military students to attend U.S. military training and education courses.
“55 women are taking the IMET course from 2020 to 2023, more than double the 22 women who participated from 2013 to 2019,” the report said. “Furthermore, for the past two consecutive years, Pakistan has been the top regional contributor of female military personnel to courses in the United States.”
According to the report, Pakistani women officers underwent specialised courses focusing on topics such as counter-terrorism and counter-piracy, military justice, information technology, cyber strategy, public relations, gender-based violence and health-related issues.
Two women attended the US Naval Postgraduate School and completed their MBAs in Financial Management. Another student from the Judicial Commission returned to Pakistan for a train-the-trainer position and was tasked with updating the Pakistani curriculum. Moreover, two women officers qualified from Pakistan’s Staff College this year, which will also open up the opportunity for them to attend staff colleges in the US.
“Women are joining the Pakistan Army’s combat arms, female officers are undergoing specialized military education courses and are being considered for promotion to leadership positions and returning to their units,” the report added.
