Women are to be allowed to join the Netherlands’ elite Marine Corps for the first time since its foundation in 1665, news agency ANP said on Friday.

Defence minister Jeanine Hennis said at the end of last year she was considering opening up the profession to women. Women will be subject to the same strict entry requirements as men, Hennis said.

Training to join the oldest branch of the Dutch armed forces last 33 weeks and no more than 50% of recruits actually pass.

Women are now allowed to work in every branch of the armed services apart from on submarines.