THERE are some Royal Navy Medical Assistants attached to the Royal Marines throughout the Norway deployment who always attract media attention — whether in Norway, Afghanistan, Chivenor or Belize.

And this is because they are a rare breed in the armed forces.

Kylie Springall, Natasha Nolan and Krystle Sharratt are female, which is still a novelty in today's Marines.

Of the 100-strong crew in the Logistic Task Group in Norway, three are girls. At Chivenor, where there are close to 1000 people on site, fewer than 15 are female.

But for 21-year-old Kylie and Tasha, 24, it's just a way of life.

"We don't even think about the fact we are girls — we are put through the same things as the lads," said Tasha.

"From the beginning it was laid down that there would be no special treatment for us. We would carry the same bags and complete the same tasks."

As medical assistants, the girls are vital to the pack. Whether it's administering injections, completing administrative tasks, or dealing with fresh injuries, the girls are on hand to deal with whatever the troops need.

And with their next destination always unknown, it is vital they undergo the same challenging training as the Marines in Norway.

Tasha, from Plymouth, who has been in the Navy for more than six years, said: "It obviously gets hard at times, particularly when the training is so arduous.

"But the lads are brilliant about it and always support us, without singling us out."

Kylie, from Bridgwater, has been in the Navy since she was 17 and has mastered being away from home.

But she admits some of the Marines initially found it hard to have women around.

"They have got used to it now. They always say how weird it is to hear us speak as they do: we pick up their lingo because we spend so much time with them.

"But that is part of the bond. And when they take the mick out of us, we know we are accepted. It's their way of showing it."

No stranger to challenges, Kylie and Tasha have already served in Afghanistan — something which affected the pair more than they ever imagined.

Kylie was just 20 when she was sent out to Helmand Province for six months.

"The whole thing was so daunting but looking back it just gives you so much perspective, " said Kylie.

"Friends at home are in their own little bubble. My real friends are in the Navy because we work and live with each other, and understand how it is out there.

"I listen to the news every single day, now. It hits home so much more, when I hear a soldier has died in Afghanistan."

A highlight for the girls was the return march through Barnstaple, which, they said, made everything worthwhile.

"I still get shivers thinking about it," said Tasha. "Kids were waving flags, the police were out in their best gear, the traders were giving us free things to say well done."

And Kylie said she "physically could not believe it".

"No amount of trauma in Afghanistan had prepared me for the emotions of seeing my mum and brother in that crowd. Nothing."