Politicians shouldn’t forget so soon the value of the Royal Marines

SIR – You report (February 4) on the proposed cuts to the Royal Marines.

I served 25 years with the Marines. During this time I was appointed chief instructor, Special Forces, not long after they embarked on joint training for basic selection. This gave me a great understanding of what the Marines are capable of, as well as of the requirements of the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment.

Few people know about the make-up of these regiments, but the Marines play a key role in all of them. The Special Boat Service is made up almost entirely of Marines, as well as up to half of the Special Reconnaissance Regiment and, along with Commando-trained gunners and Royal Engineers, much of the SAS.

These young Marines usually leave the forces after between five and 10 years. Some, before doing so, have a stab at selection for the Special Forces. If we weaken the Marines, we cut off lifeblood to the Special Forces too.

Politicians do not appreciate the years of work – dating back to the Second World War – that have gone into creating this very adaptable group of soldiers. This was apparent in 1981 when John Nott, the defence secretary at the time, came to RM Poole in Dorset. His aim was to disband either the Special Boat Squadron (as it was then) or a squadron of the SAS.

He was simply looking at the figures, not the combat indicators: the Argentine government had been sabre-rattling for a while, yet Britain was making cuts. Ironically, by 1982, he was desperate for the Special Forces to save his face when Argentina occupied the Falklands.

Just because 35 years have passed, that does not mean we can revert to cuts. If anyone tries to tell me that the world is safer now than it was 1982, I know which medical department I will recommend. Michael Mccarthy

Poole, Dorset

SIR – In 1950, the US defence budget was being pruned savagely from its wartime highs. Inter-service rivalry was inevitable. General Omar Bradley (who brought into being the 82nd Airborne Division) doubted that there would be “a future need for amphibious missions” – and believed the marines could be much reduced.

When US forces had almost been driven off the Korean Peninsula, General Douglas Macarthur launched an amphibious landing at Inchon behind the enemy. Its success paved the way for pushing the North Koreans beyond the 38th parallel.

Had General Bradley and his supporters had their way, this operation would probably have been impossible. Those who ponder cutting the Royal Marines and their landing ships should read some history. David L Ross

Tiverton, Devon

SIR – Cancel the Trident upgrade and spend the money on our conventional forces, including the Marines. William Cook

Blandford, Dorset