UK: First Sea Lord Talks Leadership with Next Generation of Naval Leaders

The Royal Navy’s most senior Officer has shared his thoughts on leadership with the next generation of naval leaders during a visit to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. Meeting a group of Officer Cadets undergoing their initial naval training, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope led a discussion on the principles of leadership and talked about his own experience gained during his 43 year career.

During his day at the College the First Sea Lord took the opportunity to see aspects of the newly enhanced initial naval training course for Officers introduced last year.

He was able to witness cadets undergoing a maritime leadership exercise in the Dart maritime training area. The demanding four-day exercise is the culmination of the second stage of initial naval training, known as the ‘marinisation phase’.

In crews of seven the Officer Cadets use motor whalers and picket boats in a tactical scenario, based on a humanitarian operation, bringing together the skills they have learnt throughout their course, including leadership, navigation and seamanship.

Admiral Stanhope was also able to meet a class of trainee Warfare Officers in BRNC’s state-of-the art ship’s bridge simulator. The simulator can be configured to test the students ability to control a warship in a wide range of scenarios.

Appointed First Sea Lord in 2009, Admiral Stanhope undertook his own initial naval training at BRNC in 1970.

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Naval Today Staff, January 22, 2013; Image: Royal Navy