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Wrens in the 80s
Wrens in the 80s
The 1980s saw various career
changes initiated. There were investigations into using Wrens in several areas
in which they had not been previously employed in peacetime. The Air Traffic
Control specialisation reopened to Wrens. There was increased opportunity for
officers in the Instructor branch. The first potential Air Engineer officer
joined the service in May 1980 and began training at the hitherto all male
Naval Engineering College in 1981. Other areas that Wrens could now enter were
Aircrew, Meteorology, Physical Training for officers, Weapons, Electrical Mechanic
(Communications and Radio), as well as the Computer branch for ratings. Better
and greater use was also made of WRNS officers and ratings working within
existing branches.
Two Wren air mechanics (RNM)
Wren pulling a Wessex helicopter with tractor (RNM)
The introduction of women into some of these areas, such as Aircrew, produced problems with servicemen. Many male naval Aircrew regarded this as an encroachment on their masculine image as 'protector'. The suggestion that women should intrude into such male preserves had the potential to offend the ego of many men, highlighting that there was nothing specific to these jobs that meant only men could perform in these roles.
However, the Navy needed to introduce these changes in order to meet their manning needs, as the 1980s had been a period of falling manpower and recruitment shortages. The Navy's policy was to introduce women into these positions quietly and without fuss, so as to minimise any emotive feeling.
To discover a recruitment booklet promoting careers in the WRNS, select Next
