Soldiers want fireproof bras and panties

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Swedish female soldiers say Sweden's Armed Forces' failure to deliver on a promise of flame-retardant underwear is a form of discrimination.

Katja Adolphson of the Swedish Conscription Council said female combat soldiers have requested appropriate bras and panties for 30 years, The Local reported Thursday.

The soldiers had been informed they would have the goods by spring 2009 but their wait has not yet ended.

Adolphson said women currently comprise approximately 5 percent of uniformed staff in the Swedish Armed Forces but she would expect the figure to rise if the armed forces got better at giving women the supplies they need.

"Nothing has been designed with women in mind. All the sizes are too big: from boots, protective vests and shirts to the shoulder straps on our AK5 assault rifles," Adolphson, who is in charge of the council's air-force related matters, said.