Special Forces have been ordered to soften their entry tests by the Health and Safety Executive following the death of a Bath defence analyst.
Corporal James Dunsby, 31, died along with Trooper Edward Maher, 31, and Lance Corporal Craig Roberts, 24, after an endurance march last July.
The Mail on Sunday has revealed today that the endurance exercises for those hoping to join the SAS and SBS have been made easier following a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the deaths of three soldiers who collapsed during a 20-mile march over the Brecon Beacons.
According to the newspaper SAS sources have criticised the move, which has doubled the pass rate since the changes were made in January, though the Ministry of Defence refused to confirm this.
The Mail on Sunday said that on the winter 2013 course, only 20 candidates out of 250 were successful. Of the 250 who started the winter 2014 course, 46 passed.
The HSE confirmed last night that regulators had accepted new risk assessments and safety measures presented by the military.
The Ministry of Defence said: "We have co-operated fully with the Health and Safety Executive inspectors and are implementing all the recommendations in the Crown Improvement Notice."
Until now recruits would have to go without food if rations ran low and find streams if they ran out of water – skills SAS officers say are essential to survival in combat. Candidates who had to be 'rescued' automatically failed.
The new rules, to meet HSE demands, include providing extra rations, giving troops time to rest on marches, making sure safe drinking water is always available and introducing marshals to help stragglers cross the finishing line.
A police inquiry into the deaths is continuing, with more than 100 instructors and soldiers being interviewed.
