Two complementary centers of Admiralty leadership divided the work. The Third Sea Lord managed the Navy's domestic political, procurement, and administrative problems with a substantial staff. The First Sea Lord handled the service's global role, strategy, and foreign-policy relationships. Experience in the more structured domestic office could train an officer in politics and staff work before moving to the less predictable international role. Operational brilliance without administrative ability was insufficient preparation for the senior post.
Chapter · 37:08-39:25
How First and Third Sea Lords divided global and domestic work
The Third Sea Lord's domestic management role became professional preparation for the First Sea Lord's global strategic and foreign-policy responsibilities.