Transgender guardsman Chloe Allen is the first female soldier to serve on the British Army’s frontline. Allen, who serves with the Scots Guards, will be the first woman in history trained to fight in close hand combat with the enemy.
'It’s a great honour to make history' Allen told The Sun. Though she was worried about other soldiers’ opinions when she started wearing women’s clothes, she said: 'I’m just looked at as a normal person.'
The 24-year-old Cumbrian began dressing in her mother’s clothes at aged eight. She joined the Scots Guards four years ago, when she was known as Ben. Since last August, she has begun the transition process: beginning hormone therapy and changing her name.
In July of this year, former Prime Minister David Cameron approved a recommendation by the head of the Army to allow women to serve in frontline combat roles. Due to Chloe's unique situation, she will be the first woman fully trained to fight in hand-to-hand combat. Since her transition, Allen has received support from her entire battalion: 'As much as it’s a big bad world, it’s not as bad as people think and it’s easier when you’ve got your mates and your bosses behind you.'
Commander of the Field Army, General Sir James Everard, praised Guardsman Allen for her courage, saying: 'I’m delighted to have our first woman serving in a ground close combat unit. The British Army is really proving itself as an inclusive organization where everyone is welcome and can thrive.'
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.