We cannot be at par with menon combat: Lt-Gen Arora

Vice-Admiral Puneeta Arora is where no woman has reached before but when it comes to active combat, she says it is impossible for women soldiers to perform “absolutely parallel with male colleagues.” Logistical problems make it difficult for them to “thrive under combat condition” and “it is not possible to expect a woman to man a picket in a secluded spot.” Arora will take over as DGMS (Navy) on Monday.

At a press conference to bid adieu to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Arora said there were no plans to increase the number of women officers in the Armed Forces. ‘‘It is not in the interest of the Armed Forces … nor is it a feasible option,’’ she said, adding that the nation, society and women needed to mature before this happens.

She would now work at the policy-making level with the DG, Armed Forces Medical Services. ‘‘ I have a two-fold agenda, to provide soldiers and their dependents the best possible medical facilities using the latest technology and add to the training of doctors, nurses and paramedics,’’ she said.