PLA looks to increase number of female missile operators

After China incorporated the first female DF-15 ballistic missile company in the People's Liberation Army's main missile brigade, the Second Artillery Corps — the strategic missile force of the People's Liberation Army — will look to recruit more women into the fold, reports the Washington-based Strategy Page on Apr. 25.The female company has been included into the First Conventional Missile Brigade of the Second Artillery Force. Originally, it was only a provisional unit, but the Central Military Committee of the Communist Party of China decided to make it a regular unit earlier this month as it has become harder for the military to find male soldiers qualified for the job, according to Strategy Page.

Released military photos have also shown multiple female launch crews for mobile DF-21 missiles. Currently, about 8% of China's military are female while women account for 15% of the US military.Female recruits have performed well in technical jobs and about 12% of the crew on American warships are now female, said Strategy Page, adding that China is increasing the number of women serving on warship and is seeing success.China's Second Artillery Corps controls most of the country's nuclear missiles as well as some missiles equipped with conventional warheads