Elite units to merge – report

ELITE units of paratroopers and Royal Marines could be combined to save money as part of major cuts to Britain’s military, it has been reported.

There are also plans to cut the armed forces’ strength by more than 14,000, according to The Times.

But the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said decisions have yet to be made in the major review of Britain’s security capability, describing suggestions of an outcome as “pure speculation”.

The Times said one option being considered was a combined force comprising 3 Commando Brigade, which is predominately made up of Royal Marines, and 16 Air Assault Brigade, which includes the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Parachute Regiment.