Brigadier Sharon Nesmith, in her mid-40s, a married mother-of-two, has become the Army’s first female Brigade Commander in charge of some 5,000 frontline soldiers in the 1st Signal Brigade. It is the most powerful position to be given to a female in the British Army.
Speaking yesterday at the land warfare conference at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: ‘Careers must be determined by ability. Again we’re seeing progress.’ ‘Women are now piloting Attack Helicopters and… in the case of Brigadier Sharon Nesmith… commanding their own Brigade.’ The announcement of the first female in command of a brigade is hugely significant after renewed debate over whether women will be allowed to serve on the frontline. A review in December recommended women soldiers should be allowed to fight alongside men on the frontline for the first time.
Brigadier Nesmith, who is married to a Tree Surgeon, joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 1992. She spent the first few years of her career in Germany, serving in the Electronic Warfare Regiment, the 1st Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal regiment, during which time she completed three tours in the Balkans. In 2010 she commanded 215 Signal Squadron while on Operation Telic 10 in Iraq. She later commanded 22nd Signal Regiment and afterwards was promoted to Colonel. She is now in command of 1st Signal Brigade, based in Gloucester, which prepares forces which are held at high states of readiness to support current and future military operations all over the world.
Outside of work, she enjoys taking part in marathons, fell running in the Lake District, mountain biking and skiing. She has two young sons…..
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Image: WO2 Ian Houlding GBR Army