First women set to train for marines

Selection process already under way

ARMY: Women are undergoing physical testing which could see them begin training to become Royal Marines for the first time, it has been reported.

The move comes two years after then-Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the ban on women serving in “ground close” combat roles would be lifted.

WOMEN ARE undergoing physical testing which could see them begin training to become Royal Marines for the first time, it has been reported.

It comes two years after then Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the ban on women serving in “ground close” combat roles would be lifted.

More than 1,350 females have inquired about becoming potential bootnecks, and 20 have gone on to begin the selection process, the Sunday Times reports.

The newspaper said it understands they are undergoing preliminary testing, which involves an interview and two one-and-ahalf mile timed treadmill runs.

If they pass this process they will be offered the chance to begin the Royal Marines’ 32-week training course at Lympstone Commando Training Centre (CTC) in Devon early next year.

A Royal Navy spokesman said there had “already been early interest from female recruits”.

“Last year a number of female recruits who had expressed an interest visited CTC Lympstone for a familiarisation visit,” he added.

The Sunday Times reported that women have been told they must meet the same physical standards as men, and will sleep in the same dormitories to protect “troop cohesion”.

However, female recruits will be provided with separate toilets and showers with lockable doors.

To achieve the coveted green beret, recruits must complete a nine-mile speed march in 90 minutes, and a six-mile endurance course in under 73 minutes, and 71 minutes for officers.

An aerial assault course must also be finished in under 13 minutes, and 12 minutes for officers, as well as a 30-mile march across Dartmoor while carrying equipment and a rifle in eight hours, and seven for officers.

The move to relax the rules came in July 2016 after extensive research, and a recommendation from the then-head of the British Army, General Sir Nick Carter.

At the time, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it would adopt a phased approach, starting with the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), which would then be followed by the infantry, the Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment.

Earlier this year it was reported that one female RAF Regiment recruit quit two weeks into an 18week course after falling behind her male counterparts.

The decision to lift the ban saw the UK join Israel, Australia and the United States as countries which allow women to serve on the front line.

The news comes after it was revealed the Royal Marines will lose 200 posts as the Royal Navy seeks to reshuffle its staff before the arrival of a new generation of vessels.

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, the First Sea Lord, said the force would make the cuts as part of its efforts to “adapt to meet the challenges of a dangerous and uncertain world” as it introduces new ships, submarines and aircraft to the service. It is not thought that any Marines would be made redundant, and instead the Navy will rely on natural wastage of staff for the overhaul.

... already been early interest from female recruits. A Royal Navy spokesman for the Lympstone Commando Training Centre.