Royal Marines spark fury by offering 10,000 'golden hello' payments

Royal Marines chiefs have sparked fury by offering lucrative 'golden hello' payments to former Commandos to re-enlist.

For the first time in the corps' 350-year history, former junior Marines who held the rank of either Marine or Lance Corporal before leaving will get a taxable bonus of £10,000 – paid in instalments over four years – if they return.

But serving troops last night said that the top brass would have been better advised to offer bonuses for personnel who have chosen to extend their military careers.