The sea – and the land which surrounds it – is the natural home of the Naval Service. The Royal Navy (RN) operates on it, under it, above it or uses it to manoeuvre, ready to go ashore for a variety of government-directed purposes: from fighting wars, counter piracy, counter narcotics, exclusive economic zone protection, to providing humanitarian aid. It must be able to do this worldwide and largely self-supporting. It is both a challenging and hazardous environment, which from the outset requires both deep professional understanding and the highest qualities of leadership; it aims to be the best and must demand the most from its people. The RN develops its people through experience and training to excel. In particular it develops essential requirements of leadership and teamwork. The RN also has a set of core values and standards that are inculcated into their people. These attributes of Courage, Commitment, Discipline, Respect for Others, Integrity and Loyalty define the Service. They represent a key element of the moral contract to their people, and although only recently articulated, naval people over the generations would recognise them. Taken together, leadership, teamwork and the values and standards drive their people to achieve the exceptional. This has contributed greatly to the success of the RN in over 550 years. Leadership is a critical life…