Parachute Regiment & Royal Marines to be merged?

News has come through that the Elite Royal Marines Commando Training Centre is to close at the end of August this year.

News was intially released after a question by Conservative MP for Exeter, Mr Loof. The question initially was aimed at raising the issue of the lack of "Live Jumps" for the Parachute Regiment. Mr Loof then asked whether the Royal Marines would lose their swimming training.

Unexpectedly Defence Secretary Des Browne Responded "The Royal Marines Training facility will close and resources switched to the training facility at Aldershot. The Defence Secretary stated "By merging the sub special forces we will be able to create an elite hybrid soldier that would surpass that of both the existing Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment.

It is understood that a decision on a merger between the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment was first put forward at the same time as the merger of the Scottish Regiments.

It is thought that Ministers held off any decision until the publicity and the logistical problems of the first merger had settled.

The decision is seen as a setback for both proud organisations who defend their cap badges with pride. It is thought that the new unit will be called "The Royal Marine and Parachute Commando Regiment" and start producing trained ranks with 2 years.

Although not confirmed at this time, it will probably mean the end of the Royal Marines and Parachute Regiment as we currently know them.

Liberal Democrat MP for Aldershot Mr Evan Keel welcomed the news and the extra investment into the area. "By merging these 2 units we will secure the future of the base and local jobs" "These Regiments currently work closely together anyway so it makes sense that everything is moved under one roof"

It is thought that if the plans (which still have to pass through Parliament in a Defence white paper next month) are passed. Then CTCRM Lympstone will fully close later this year.