The current policies of Western Governments, particularly the UK and the US, exclude the use of women from service in combat arms. This restriction causes challenges when the combat units are required to undertake COIN and nation-building missions in countries with diverse cultural requirements. The front lines have moved and women are no longer solely in the rear echelons and are often required to assist security forces on patrols. Within Southern Afghanistan, the requirement for the Royal Air Force Regiment to patrol the Ground Defence Area around Kandahar Air Field brings them into contact with the local Pashtun population