Age-of-sail navies built commanders from adolescence

Nelson never developed a true after-service life because he had joined the Royal Navy at thirteen and remained defined by it through every adult stage. He died at forty-seven after thirty-four years in the service, with interruptions but no permanent exit. Such a career was not unusual for the period. Age-of-sail navies created senior competence by sending teenagers, and sometimes children barely beyond childhood, to sea early enough to accumulate the skills needed to command fleets and fight wars.