By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent
Women could be allowed to fight on the front line from 2016 the Government has announced.
The Defence Secretary has signed off a major review that concluded females could serve in a combat role if they achieved the rigorous physical standards required.
A senior defence source has described it as a "significant step-forward".
The final decision will be made after an 18 month physiological exam. This will look at women's basic physical ability to cope in harsh environments on lengthy deployments of six months or more.
"There is a real desire among Ministers and the military to open up ground combat roles to women," a Whitehall source told Sky News.
"This detailed review is a big step forward in the process, however it is clear further work needs to be done before a final decision is taken.
"The wellbeing of all of our personnel is of the utmost importance, but there is genuine hope this will be a reality come 2016."
Women already serve on the front line in a variety of roles: medics, intelligence officers, fighter pilots, and on submarines.
This will open the way for them to join infantry regiments, tanks units and The Royal Marines.
Some allies, the United States, Canada and Australia, already allow women to serve on the front line.
The six-month review was ordered by the last Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond. It has been on the desk of his successor Michael Fallon for a few weeks.
It was overseen by the Head of the Army, General Nicholas Carter.
Amongst many things, the review examined the possible consequences of male soldiers serving in close quarters with female colleagues including what effect this might have on the morale of a fighting unit.
It also looked at whether women are more prone to injury.
The review, whilst not conclusive, has removed doubts within the MoD.
