"Suitably qualified women can apply to be posted to armored and artillery units as well as infantry battalions in support roles in headquarters and administrative units," Veterans' Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly said.

Women make up about 13 percent of some 52,000 military personnel, with some serving as pilots and naval officers. Up to 50 are expected to take up the new postings from December this year, Kelly said.

Australia has some 900 soldiers in Iraq as part of the U.S.-led coalition and is sending 190 troops to Afghanistan ahead of elections there in September.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 27, 2005
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