Plymouth servicemen say Army command for Marines 'ridiculous'
REPORTS that Plymouth's Royal Marines could fall under the command of the Army have been described as "laughable" by city servicemen.
A national newspaper claimed the Ministry of Defence is considering an overhaul of the armed forces which could slash 30,000 troops and give the Army command of the Royal Marines from the Royal Navy.
While MoD chiefs are remaining tight-lipped over the reports until its Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) is complete, city servicemen have blasted the idea from the outset.
A Royal Marines officer at Stonehouse Barracks, the home of 3 Commando Brigade, told The Herald: "We've heard the rumours and we think it's laughable. We are all of the same opinion: it just seems an unbelievable and ridiculous idea.
"We understand they [the MoD] have to come up with ideas for examination and they have to make cuts but this is just absolutely shocking."
The Financial Times claimed military planners are looking at combining eight brigades of land forces into five brigades, giving the Army operational command of the marines, and combining the corps into a single brigade with the Paras.
The marines have been under the command of the Navy since 1755.
The Royal Marine, who asked not to be named, added: "It makes no sense. It is ridiculous. If anything the Paras should bolster the Marines."
Major General Julian Thompson, who commanded Plymouth commandos during the Falklands conflict, said: "It would be a disaster. It's just sheer nonsense. I think a lot of this comes from spite and envy."
Major General Nick Vaux, who commanded Bickleigh's 42 Commando during the Falklands conflict, said: "The idea is flawed and it would not help anybody. Why would the Royal Navy give up its amphibious troops and the very expensive shipping it has?
"The SDSR has to decide whether to have that capability or not. If not, then amalgamate the Marines and tell the Navy to scrap its ships. That makes no sense to me."
Ewen Southby-Tailyour, a retired Plymouth-based Royal Marine officer and another Falklands hero, said: "The Royal Marines are by far the most cost-effective brigade.
"Merging us with the Army would not save any money at all."
Plymouth's MPs say they can't envisage the move happening.
Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View Alison Seabeck said: "The whole review is looking at absolutely every conceivable option. This is part of that. I don't at this moment in time think we should get overly anxious about this proposal."
Gary Streeter, Tory MP for South West Devon, said: "At this stage there is not a clear outcome [of the defence review] at all. I think apart from Trident it's all up for grabs."
Visitors to The Herald's website also voiced their concerns.
An MoD spokesman said: "The future configuration of our armed forces will be based on the findings of the Strategic Defence and Security Review which is under way.
"Until the review concludes, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the possible outcomes."
11 Comments
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by Frog, Plymouth
Friday, July 30 2010, 4:19PM
“If i'd have wanted to join the Army then i'd have joined the Army! I would have saved myself a lot of effort and probably been paid more, but I wanted to be a Bootneck and the qualities we display can't be bought or given away if this happens it will kill what makes us special. I've been on operations where the Army had command of a Bootneck unit and we were mismanaged and underestimated the Army hierarchy can't deploy us properly. Diluting the Royal Marines would be crazy and blokes would leave in their hundreds.”
by freddy, plymouth
Friday, July 23 2010, 1:23AM
“Understand the Marines concerns, but they and the evening herald with the obvious 'marine bias' must look at this without their tinted spectacles.
there were proud army infantry regiments scrapped and merged without a whim a while ago whose history runs far longer then 1755,the marines have no 'divine right' to be ringfenced.”
by John, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 7:15PM
“Boris the topic saboteur and windup merchant is an internet troll. Ignore his drivel”
by Will, Gosport (Serving my Country)
Thursday, July 22 2010, 6:54PM
“Despite all of the comments it will happen, when I don't know.
Clearly I have mixed feelings but will keep to myself to avoid any silly comments.
In the 22 years I have served with the Army I have seen so many changes, one of the most significant changes was all the Logistics and Support coming under one Corp, this being the Royal Logistic Corps.
This was eventually a merger of 6 Corps all unique to themselves going into one Corps.
The same typical speech was said "it will never happen" will it did and rumours that are leaked/spread will come true.
It probably won't save any money - but others believe different.”
by mark, mannamead
Thursday, July 22 2010, 6:12PM
“never never , will the RMs come under the command of the Paras , NEITHER will the Paras come under the naval baton of the RMs, both are very proud units , and have nothing but budding pride to be better than the other , however , the Tactical Advance to Battle(tabbing) is a lot quicker than the fairy girly walk RMs call yomping..... yomping ... well who the hell thought of calling it that ..... a lance corporal in the PARAS .
No joke , very sorry for the losses”
by Shep, Plymouth Hoe
Thursday, July 22 2010, 3:30PM
“Would be a said day for many ex RM but the end decider will be how much funds are available. Better to keep the front line troops and save money by getting rid of several duplicated logistics and command systems.
It will eventually have to be a combined service as practiced by Canada.”
by percy p, dug in @ home
Thursday, July 22 2010, 2:26PM
“Rob, I think last drop into action (excluding SF) was the year you were born. 1956 on 5th Nov (Kikee day, but no conection) 40 & 42 then raided beaches on the 6th.
RM have been RN as said but not in cdo role, that was the Army - original and the best ! (wind up). I would like to see a seperate Commando Forces that incorperated all green hatted trained personnel RN RM Army RAF. Combined ops use them all. Special Forces are now combined. You go SF now not SAS or SBS. Like minded people in one Corps.”
by DD, Plymouth
Thursday, July 22 2010, 10:12AM
“The shambles of MOD procurement which wastes billions of pounds is the main problem. I read recently that the Royal Navy has more admirals than major ships. If this is true then that is where the cuts should begin, followed by top heavy civil servants at the MOD.
While it may be sad for ex-servicemen like me, it could make sense to scrap the Army, Navy and Air Force as separate entities and have one combined service. This would cut down on duplication, save a great deal of money and be in the interest of all service personnel in the long term.”
by Boris Napper, Eddystone Lighthouse
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:47AM
“I'm an ex-matelot - they're both big eff-off scary types of people. Booties pretty much run themselves anyway - the RN link is only really historical nowadays - but the ID card is the same.
A bootie could easily take a para though. As for Paras...Yeah..they should now be issued HATS...
I jest of course :)
Nice wives though...”
by Gazzeur, Cloud cookooland
Thursday, July 22 2010, 9:07AM
“Rob I absolutely agree with you about not combining the army and the marines but I've got to say you know jack shi'ite about the army so it's probably best you don't make stupid comments like the army not being a family and not looking after each other or "Lord Lo Mountbatten will be turning in his Grave if he was alive today". Fact is he probably wouldn't be in his grave if he was alive today.
Oh and my training went on for 15 months sailor.”