New marines defence role ends 500 years of tradition
THE ROYAL Marines will play a key role in Britain’s defence strategy under the new Armed Forces chief.
Admiral Sir Tony “Radical” Radakin, who was made Chief of Defence Staff last week, is expected to appoint as Second Sea Lord an officer from the Royal Marines, rather than the Navy.
The move, ending 475 years of tradition, acknowledges the importance of the revamped Commandos.
And it comes as the 356-year-old corps is pitted against the Army’s fledgling Rangers
Regiment in a battle to see which will do more to support Special Forces in “grey zone” operations – interactions that fall between war and peace.
Radakin, the former First Sea Lord, oversaw the first deployment of super-carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, and
his knowledge of nuclear submarines proved essential in talks with his Australian counterpart Vice Admiral
Michael Noonan to establish the Aukus defence pact. He also appointed the Navy’s firstfemale Admiral, Jude Terry.
Though the new Second Sea Lord has not yet been announced, it is believed to have gone to Major General Gwyn Jenkins, a hardnosed Special Forces veteran who currently serves as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff and is known for his approachability by all ranks.
Another contender was said to be Lt Gen Rob Magowan.
Because the role primarily oversees “people matters” – recruiting, training, diversity, welfare and family support – it is suitable for an officer without any naval specialism.
The idea was the brainchild of former Royal Marines Commandant
General, Maj Gen Matt Holmes – and Radakin is said to have given his blessing in March.
Maj Gen Holmes, who took his own life last week, oversaw the transformation of the Royal Marines into Future Force Commando and is understood to have wanted the Corps to be given a greater prominence.
Whoever the new Second Sea Lord is, appointing a Royal Marine will be significant for the message it sends to the Army.
Last night, a senior naval source said: “Radakin is showing that he recognises the growing importance of the Royal Marines, and wants to have a marine placed next to the First Sea Lord, even though their roles are entirely separate.”