Royal Marines have been banned from getting their kit off for their annual charity calendar. Military bosses have raised concerns that the calendar "sexualises" the marines and so have stopped those in the South West from stripping off in front of the camera.

The annual Go Commando calendar raises thousands of pounds every year to help support military charities, but the 2017 edition has been vetoed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). 

It has come as a bit of a shock for the members of 40 Commando, which is based in Norton Fitzwarren, Somerset, as they have been working hard in the gym to tone up ready for the photo shoot.

Members of the unit aren't the only ones who are disappointed with the decision, with fans of the yearly calendar taking to social media to show how unfair they think the decision is.

A statement from the Go Commando calendar organisers said: "Go Commando regrets that there will be no 'Go Commando Calendar' for 2017.

"The Royal Marines Command have forbidden serving Royal Marines from appearing in the calendar.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those Royal Marines who have appeared in this very popular calendar, which provided funds to support the Royal Marines families throughout the Corps.

"We would also like to thank the thousands of followers of the calendar for your loyal support to date." 

The calendar first appeared back in 2012, with thousands of copies of it being sold since then. This was also its most successful year, raising over £10,000 for Go Commando, which supports Royal Marines and their families. 

While Go Commando is hoping that military bosses will change their mind, it is too late for the 2017 calendar to go ahead. 

Former Royal Marine lieutenant colonel Kevin du Val, chairman of Go Commando, said that they are going to review their options for future calendars and may get retired Royal Marines to take part in it for 2018.

Money for 2017's calendar was already earmarked for a new £400,000 nursery and family community centre in Norton Fitzwarren, but now alternative funding will be needed.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801827008-ADNFCR

%d bloggers like this: