Marines rage at ‘never used’ female loos...
ROYAL Marines have complained that their living quarters are being reduced to make way for female facilities – even though they don’t have any women recruits.
Women’s washrooms and toilets are being built beside dormitories at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon.
The renovations, which have left male recruits competing for space to store equipment and possessions, were given the green light despite the failure of female Royal Marine candidates to qualify for the corps’ 32-week basic training course.
To date, every female candidate to attempt the four-day Potential Royal Marines Course has failed.
One marine in training said: ‘We’ve been assured there won’t be any drop in standards to get women through the door, which is great, but they’re building facilities in our block for female recruits who don’t exist.’
Male marines have been told to stop complaining or face being hauled before top brass.
Notices in their living quarters read: ‘Do not drip [complain] about it, it is happening!’
Around 1,350 women are thought to have inquired about joining the Royal Marines since the ban on women serving in ‘ground close-combat roles’ was lifted by David Cameron in 2016, with none of about 20 shortlisted candidates successful.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: ‘We are committed to giving women the same opportunity as men to enjoy challenging, fulfilling and rewarding careers.’