Despite various roles in the armies of past societies, the role of women in the military, particularly in combat, is controversial and it is only recently that women have begun to be given a more prominent role in contemporary armed forces. As increasing numbers of countries begin to expand the role of women in their militaries, the debate continues.

Serving in the army differs from country to country, some have a contract system, some have it obligatory for the male population. In some countries it’s obligatory for both sexes. In Russia serving in the Army is obligatory only for males.
But the current tally of woman in the Russian Army is standing at around 115,000 to 160,000, representing 10% of Russia’s military strength.

One can't see a guy with a gun on the beach or in the street in Russia, but it's not only the surprise, which attracts Russian girl's attention. Russian girls have liked officers and military men since the time being, because the word 'military man' has always had associations with such notions as 'strength' and 'defence'.

The Russian army runs the Miss Russian Army beauty contest for attractive female Russian soldiers. Colonel Gennady Dzyuba, of the Defense Ministry, said of the 2005 contest that "Those who have served, especially in hot spots, know the importance of women in the armed forces.”