YOUNG Warwick women are rising up to serve their country, and they won't let gender stereotypes stop them.

Growing up, the thought of a career in the military never occurred to School of Total Education graduate Rita Bradshaw.

But as more women enlist in the Australian Army, they pave the way for others to follow.

Miss Bradshaw, who was appointed last Tuesday, said it was important to show young girls it is possible to join the military.

"I think it's important at least that it is possible to join and know they will be well supported,” she said.

"The biggest deterrent to women is that they just don't know there are a lot of girls and other in there.”

Miss Bradshaw, who will complete her army reserves training whilst studying information technology at QUT in Brisbane, is hoping to join the signals corps.

"They look at electronic warfare, provide communication and handle the technology side of things,” she said.

"They work with a lot of the new technology which would be really interesting.”

But going into combat was a possibility Miss Bradshaw had to accept with her new role.

"They definitely make you aware the whole way through it is a combat role and you have to be prepared to engage physically with the enemy.”

Among female military figures is Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie, who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in her 20-year Army career.

Cr Dobie said it was important that women had the choice to pursue any career they desired, including one in the military.

"It was very uncommon for a woman to chose a career in the Army in my day,” the mayor said.

"It doesn't matter what you want to do, it's having that choice. For me, that is the key as far as equality is concerned.”

Miss Bradshaw said she had been well supported throughout the demanding application process, and is already breaking in her boots now that she's about to start.

"I think it will be a life-changing experience. I am definitely nervous for it, but that is normal jitters,” she said.

"I am just so excited to make some friends.