Concerns have been raised within the Royal Navy that the notoriously tough training programme for Royal Marines recruits may be under pressure to change in order to meet diversity targets and increase female representation, according to multiple whistleblowers.
Sources claim that political pressure from civil servants has led to fears that elements of the elite commando training, widely regarded as the most demanding within any NATO infantry force, could be eased to allow more women to pass.
Currently, no woman has passed the full 32-week Royal Marines training course at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, near Exeter, although nine have successfully completed the shorter ten-week All Arms Commando Course. Since 2019, seven women have attempted the full course. Among them was former England rower Philippa Birch, who withdrew due to injury.
The Royal Navy has publicly maintained that training standards have not been lowered. However, internal unease appears to be growing, with junior instructors reportedly voicing concerns on social media, and at least one serving officer stating that pressure to achieve diversity goals is palpable.
“The tests needed to pass the course and be granted the privilege to wear the green beret have not been diluted,” said a senior officer who recently served at Lympstone. “But there is a lot of pressure to get a female to pass the course, and the Navy see it as some sort of crusade. Our view is that there are lots of very good females out there, and at some point, one will pass.”
Women are now eligible to serve in all branches of the Armed Forces. However, both the Royal Marines and the SAS remain the only units without a woman who has earned a full operational badge.
The debate over standards and inclusion has escalated in recent weeks following the arrest of Marine John Carr by Ministry of Defence police. Carr had published an open letter warning that commando training was being “diluted to meet diversity targets” and alleged that such moves could endanger lives.
In the letter, he claimed some women were being “artificially pushed through training” and handed “unearned paper passes,” assertions that have intensified scrutiny around the issue.
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement in response, insisting that “selection standards have not changed, and the same high standards apply to every recruit.” Regarding Marine Carr’s case, the MoD added that the matter was subject to an ongoing investigation and therefore it could not comment further.
The situation has highlighted a broader tension between modern diversity goals and long-standing military traditions, particularly within elite forces where physical and mental demands are uncompromising by design. While many in the Armed Forces support greater inclusion, they also warn that operational standards must not be compromised.
The debate continues as the Royal Navy navigates its commitment to equality alongside the necessity of maintaining battle-readiness in one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.
