So in order to reduce that scrutiny, I made myself perform to my own personal expectations and set my own standards for achievement that would allow me to demonstrate I was a professionally dedicated person. The Royal Navy, quite correctly, does not offer anyone a position in its ranks if they are not professionally able. I am immensely proud to have achieved so much and I am tremendously grateful to the Royal Navy for having given me the opportunities to prove myself, and for always making an effort to treat me as any other Naval officer. I was given the same investment. I have had 22 years of leadership and management training in one of the toughest environments you can imagine.
War is tough.
The leadership of men in times of conflict and in operations other than war, are areas in which I have had personal experience. I shall always appreciate that investment in my training and I will take it with me as I leave to take on other roles and portfolios in the future. From a personal perspective, I will always stand by my family. A Without question. The Armed Services of this country are the most professional in the world.