There is an ongoing battle here in the states that is very much like this. The United States Army has been trying to gain control of the Marine Corps and get it away from the Navy for years. Using the argument that anphibous assult is a thing of the past and that a modern, combined infantry would be ever so much better (horsepoop).
Unfortunately I fear the USMC is about to shoot themselves in the foot with all the changes they have been pushing for in their attempt to become an independent service and away from the USN. The Navy has pretty well held the Army off over the years but if the Commandant becomes an independent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (and the Junior Officer at that even should he be the Chairman) the USA will be all over them (the old ugly on a ape thing). Should they become part of the Army the Marine Corps would be ruined, the Army improved by a small bit and the world a sadder place for it. I have had the honor of fighting with both forces and there is no question in my mind, the USA takes a way back seat to the Corps.

Mike