War on the Rocks The First Royal Marine to Become First Sea Lord
Dec 22, 2025
Gen. Sir Gwyn Jenkins, a Senior Royal Navy officer and the first Royal Marine to become First Sea Lord, dives into his unique journey and the future of the Royal Navy. He shares insights on submarine maintenance, emphasizing its critical importance. Jenkins also discusses the role of unmanned systems and the need for naval reforms, drawing lessons from Ukraine. He highlights the significance of NATO collaboration while balancing global commitments, plus the vital U.S.-U.K. naval relationship, showing a commitment to a resilient maritime strategy.
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From Pilot Dreams To Royal Marines
- General Sir Gwyn Jenkins originally wanted to be a fighter pilot but was disqualified for eyesight and joined the Royal Marines instead.
- He promised his mother four or five years of service and stayed 35 years, eventually leading the Royal Marines and Royal Navy.
A Mentor From The Falklands
- Tim Chicken, a company commander and Falklands veteran, profoundly shaped Gwyn Jenkins' early leadership style.
- Jenkins still works with Chicken today as a senior honorary officer in the Royal Marines.
Prioritize Readiness Over Long-Term Vision
- Jenkins admits the Royal Navy faces real challenges after decades of tight budgets and must now be 'fit for warfighting.'
- He emphasizes fixing current readiness before selling long-term 10–20 year visions to the service.