The Royal Navy, one of the world's oldest naval forces founded in 1546, has recently implemented changes to its training program nomenclature. This decision comes as part of an effort to enhance professionalism and attract high-caliber recruits to the service.
Several exercises at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon, have undergone rebranding. For instance, the "Direct Action" course, which annually trains over 1,000 Royal Marines, has been renamed "Dragon Warrior." Similarly, the base capture test previously known as "Violent Entry" is now called "Green Salamander," while "Final Thrust" has been rebranded as "Commando Forge."
These changes aim to align the Royal Navy's training exercise names with conventions used by allied forces. The move is part of a broader strategy to modernize the image of the Commando Force, which has played crucial roles in various conflicts, including both World Wars and the Falklands War of 1982.
However, the rebranding has not been without controversy. A former instructor at the Lympstone base expressed disappointment with the changes, stating:
"The woke police have nailed us and it's ridiculous. We're preparing young men and women to go to war and what we do is violent and aggressive. It's amazing that military people have the time to worry about stupid issues like this."
The Free Speech Union also criticized the move, describing it as "typical of the woke double-think that has infected our Armed Forces."
In response to these criticisms, a Royal Navy spokesperson emphasized the professional nature of the Commando Force, stating that all aspects of training exercises are regularly updated, including aligning with standard-naming protocols.
This rebranding effort comes amid increased focus on diversity and inclusion within the UK's Armed Forces. In February 2024, it was revealed that spending on diversity and inclusion personnel had doubled to nearly £2 million over the past five years.
The Royal Navy, which operates nuclear submarines and a fleet of surface ships including destroyers and frigates, continues to adapt to changing times while maintaining its motto: "Si vis pacem, para bellum" (If you wish for peace, prepare for war). As the service evolves, it remains committed to its role in the UK's defense strategy, including its participation in the nuclear deterrent through submarine-based Trident missiles.