A cost-cutting proposal to axe 1,000 Royal Marines would quickly lead to a shortfall in Britain’s elite special forces, internal Ministry of Defence estimates have suggested.
Just under half of Britain’s special forces are taken from the Royal Marines and the cut would significantly restrict their recruiting pool.
Service chiefs have each been asked to submit proposals to save money as the MoD tries to hit stiff savings targets of £20bn over the next decade before the Treasury will release money for new warships, planes and vehicles.
Cutting 1,000 Marines from their current total of 6,600 and selling off amphibious ships is understood to be one of the First Sea Lord’s suggested options to save money.