Trial planned to change Royal Marines recruit training course at Lympstone

A small trial is being planned to change the 36-week training programme undertaken by Royal Marines.

Little detail is known about Project Zeebrugge, but BFBS Forces News understands it involves a review of physical training to make it more efficient.

Historically, the Commando Tests have been at 28 weeks, which made the whole course 30 weeks long. Now it is 32 weeks, plus a four-week pre-course.

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The Royal Navy confirmed that what they called a "small trial" would take place at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in the spring, but said Project Zeebrugge was in its "development stages" and "no final decisions have been made to formally change training".

A serving commando has suggested on social media that the Commandos Tests will remain unchanged but the Recruit Orientation Phase, a four-week pre-training element, will be removed.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "We continually review all training to ensure we are ready to meet the demands of a modern fighting force able to utilise all emerging technologies.

"No decisions have been made on any potential changes or trials for next year's training syllabus.

"There will be no changes in the commando standards and the training will always remain amongst the most arduous and respected globally."