Commandant General Royal Marines
The Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM) serves as the professional head of the Royal Marines, the United Kingdom's elite amphibious force. This high-ranking military position is responsible for the leadership, professional standards, and strategic direction of the corps. While the title of Commandant General has been in use since 1943, the lineage of professional leadership for the Royal Marines dates back to the early 19th century.
The role is distinct from the Captain General Royal Marines, who serves as the ceremonial head of the organization. In international terms, the Commandant General is the direct counterpart to the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.
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Key Facts
- Incumbent: General Sir Gwyn Jenkins (appointed 25 November 2022).
- Role: Professional head of the Royal Marines and member of the Admiralty Board Navy Command.
- Reporting Line: Reports directly to the Fleet Commander.
- Appointment: Nominated by the Secretary of State for Defence and appointed by the Monarch.
- Term Length: Typically ranges from 1 to 4 years.
- Support: Assisted by a Deputy Commandant General, usually holding the rank of brigadier.
Evolution and History
The structure of Royal Marines leadership has evolved significantly since the 18th century. In 1760, three naval captains were appointed as colonels of marines; however, because they were naval officers, marine officers were limited in their advancement to the rank of lieutenant colonel. This changed in 1771 with the appointment of commandants for the three divisions based in Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham.
The first single professional head of the Royal Marine Forces was established in 1825 as the Deputy Adjutant-General. This post existed until 1914, when it was redesignated as the Adjutant-General. From 1825 to 1964, the headquarters for this role was known as the Royal Marine Office.
The modern title of Commandant General was adopted in 1943. Over the decades, the rank associated with the position has fluctuated based on military requirements:
- 1943–1977: Full General
- 1977–1996: Lieutenant General
- 1996–April 2021: Major General
- April 2021–November 2022: Lieutenant General
- November 2022–Present: Full General
Notably, Lieutenant General Robert Magowan is the only individual to have held the role twice, serving from 2016 to 2017 and again from 2021 to 2022.
Roles and Responsibilities
The duties of the Commandant General have expanded to include broader strategic maritime operations. Since 2001, the appointment was held concurrently with the Commander United Kingdom Amphibious Forces (COMUKAMPHIBFOR), a role focused on amphibious and littoral warfare. While COMUKAMPHIBFOR was designed to command as a combined joint task force, it was merged into a larger maritime battle staff in April 2018.
Since April 2021, the role has operated in a dual-hatted capacity. Beyond serving as the professional head of the corps, the Commandant General is now tasked with championing emerging concepts in amphibious warfare and maintaining critical strategic ties with the United States Marine Corps.
Leadership Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Holder | General Sir Gwyn Jenkins |
| First Holder (1825) | Major-General Sir James Campbell |
| Formation Year | 1825 (as Deputy Adjutant-General) |
| Current Rank | General |
| Governing Body | Ministry of Defence |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Commandant General Royal Marines?
The current incumbent is General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who assumed the role on 25 November 2022.
What is the difference between the Commandant General and the Captain General?
The Commandant General is the professional head responsible for the operational and professional leadership of the Royal Marines, whereas the Captain General is the ceremonial head.
How is the Commandant General appointed?
The Secretary of State for Defence nominates the candidate, and the appointment is made by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council.
What is the role of the Deputy Commandant General?
The Deputy Commandant General, typically holding the rank of brigadier, assists the Commandant General in the professional management and leadership of the Royal Marines.
How does this role relate to the US military?
The Commandant General Royal Marines is the professional counterpart to the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and is responsible for maintaining critical ties between the two organizations.