Civilians to call shots at Marine training bases

CIVILIANS are to oversee Royal Marine training for the first time in a controversial move that will also make money.

- Marco Giannangeli

It comes after Capita won a £1billion, 12-year contract to deliver training services to 16 sites across the Royal Navy.

The Ministry of Defence says it will transform the training regime at Royal Navy and Royal Marine shore bases.

It will see a Capita-led consortium review and upgrade courses, run live on-the-ground training and use simulated technology.

However, the shake-up is said to include using algorithms to determine whether a sailor or marine has passed a promotion course. That would end the use of officers’ discretion to spot talent – the hallmark of Royal Navy promotion for 300 years.

The project will also streamline promotion courses and opportunities amid a glut of senior noncommissioned officers.