Overview
- The Ministry of Defence published the guide on 9 July 2026 to give servicewomen Defence-specific advice on preparation for the toughest courses.
- The handbook is based on a decade of research and a pilot programme by the Army Health and Performance Research Team that tracked trainees from selection to operational roles.
- Defence researchers warn that sleeping fewer than the recommended seven to nine hours greatly raises illness and musculoskeletal injury risk for women and that structured strength training typically requires at least six months for safe relative gains.
- The guide gives practical guidance on nutrition, recovery, hormone and iron health, and kit fit; some media reports quote nutritional targets such as about 3,500 calories and 30g of protein a day but those specific figures are reported rather than fully detailed in official material.
- Officials say standards will not change and that the handbook aims to reduce injury, improve retention and widen access to commando, airborne and elite roles while NATO and Five Eyes partners have shown interest in the findings.