Developing Command Capability Throughout the Career: A Competency-Based Model for Leadership and Communication in the Navy

Abstract

The increasing complexity of the maritime operational environment demands a shift from fragmented training to a longitudinal development of military officers’ competencies. While previous research at the Portuguese Naval Academy validated a staged approach for initial training, subsequent studies identified structural gaps in leadership and communication reinforcement throughout later career stages. This paper proposes a unified Global Development Model (GDM) for Portuguese Navy officers, integrating initial education with continuous professional development.Methodologically, the research employs a multi-phase mixed-methods design. Phase one analyses a case-based cadet intervention combining simulators and individual development plans. Phase two expands the empirical foundation through a survey of 255 officers and 17 semi-structured interviews, complemented by a comparative review of international programs.Data suggests that iterative cycles of assessment and feedback significantly improve self-confidence and communication effectiveness during initial training. Longitudinal analysis reveals a “dual-peak” demand for development: first, during initial command deployments, where technical skills often outpace behavioural readiness; and second, at the transition to senior leadership, where strategic and adaptive demands exceed previous training.The resulting GDM framework is structured into four clusters: (1) Initial Training (self-awareness/communication); (2) Operational Consolidation (situational leadership/stress management); (3) Command Development (mentoring/transformational leadership); and (4) Strategic Leadership (ethical governance/culture transformation). The GDM transforms leadership development from discrete activities into a learning infrastructure. While designed for the Portuguese Navy, its architecture – grounded in 360-degree feedback and mentoring cascades – offers a scalable solution for any professional military education program seeking to align strategic adaptability with operational risk reduction.