Post 412 is interesting and statistics tell a story that should always be studied carefully. Wigston's stated aim of 40% women and 20% ethnic minorities by 2030 is not and never was achievable. First, let us look at the female percentage of total strength data:
RN/Marines Army RAF
1 April 1989 (pre-end of Cold War) 3,486 (5%) 6,505 (5%) 6,299 (7%)
1 April 2022 (latest data) 3,500 (10%) 8,060 (10%) 5,130 (15%)
So, in 33 years (when the Armed Forces have more than halved in their manpower totals), each Service has doubled its proportion of females. What data supported Wigston and his team in creating an aim that added a further 25% in 10 years (ie, aim set out in 2020)? I doubt any exists.
Second, data for ethnic minorities is available from 2012 onwards:
RN/Marines Army RAF
1 April 2012 1,230 (3.5%) 10,300 (10%) 770 (2%)
1 April 2022 1,640 (5%) 11,320 (14%) 1,150 (3.5%)
Whilst the RAF data does make uncomfortable reading compared with the other Services, it also shows that Wigston's aim of 20% was never going to be achieved by 2030. Others have commented on the time it takes to engender the idea of "serving your country" and it is perfectly valid - for a recent immigrant family - to not have such immediate thoughts. And current trends are reducing the pool of those wanting to serve: 20% of the UK workforce is foreign-born and 25% of all UK schoolchildren have an immigrant mother (data from "The Spectator" of 20 May 2023).
Wigston and his dentist "Head of Personnel" were ill-informed and too PC in creating this unachieveable aim. Both should have resigned a year ago. The brave female Group Captain who stood up to this nonsense deserves a promotion and a medal (and that will not happen).