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How to Get Promoted in the Royal Marines

Promotion in the Royal Marines is about more than physical ability or time served. It is about demonstrating excellence, humility, self-discipline and integrity, while proving that you are ready to lead in one of the most demanding environments in Defence.

 

At ACSIS Life Coaching, we specialise in preparing Royal Marines for promotion boards and leadership challenges. Led by Sam Kinsey-Briggs, a former Army Private who rose to become a Royal Navy Captain and who has sat on and chaired promotion boards, our coaching helps you align with your goals, evidence your leadership, and step forward with clarity, courage and confidence.

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing in the Royal Marines

Promotion is not only about your career. It affects your family, your wellbeing and your future. Many Marines face the challenge of pushing for advancement while also trying to maintain balance at home.

 

At ACSIS, we help you find that balance. With your permission, and if you supply them, we can also review your previous reports and board feedback to provide you with specific, personalised strategies for growth. This allows you to approach your next board with preparation, confidence and clarity.

Promotion in the Royal Navy

 

Core Values: Excellence, Integrity, Self-Discipline, Humility.

 

Promotion means living these values every day. It is about how you carry yourself, how you support others, and how you inspire your team under pressure.

 

Through ACSIS coaching, we help Royal Marines preparing for promotion to:

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Gain clarity on their career goals and align them with Corps values

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Build courage to take on leadership responsibility

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Develop confidence to perform under scrutiny during promotion boards

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Use feedback to create a growth-focused mindset

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Balance ambition with family and personal wellbeing

Why Promotion in the Royal Marines Matters

 

Promotion is not simply about new rank slides.

 

It represents:

 

  • Greater responsibility for people and missions

  • The chance to shape and influence leadership decisions

  • Recognition of your professional and personal growth

  • Long-term career progression and stability

 

But promotion boards are competitive. Only those who prepare with clarity, confidence and proven leadership stand out.

How ACSIS Life Coaching Supports Royal Marines Promotion

 

We work with you to align your career goals with the expectations of the Corps, helping you build the clarity, courage and confidence you need to succeed.

 

Through coaching with Sam, you will:

 

  • Understand what promotion boards want – from leadership to competence evidence

  • Develop confidence under pressure – so you present yourself with authority

  • Review previous reports and board feedback (if you choose to share them) – identifying growth areas

  • Balance career ambition with wellbeing – avoiding burnout and staying grounded

  • Build resilience – the ability to adapt, motivate others, and take ownership of outcomes

  • Strengthen your awareness of DE&I and welfare responsibilities – essential to modern leadership in the Corps

What Royal Marines Promotion Boards Look For

 

Candidates are assessed against the Corps’ values and professional competence.

 

Boards look for evidence that you:

 

  • Lead by example under pressure

  • Demonstrate integrity and self-discipline in decision-making

  • Show humility and respect in challenging situations

  • Can inspire loyalty and trust in your team

  • Manage pressure effectively without losing focus

  • Prioritise diversity, inclusion and welfare, showing you understand the importance of modern leadership responsibilities

 

Coaching helps you present these qualities with strength and authenticity.

Why Work with ACSIS for Royal Marines
Promotion Coaching

What makes ACSIS different is lived experience and board insight.

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Sam Kinsey-Briggs has travelled the path from private soldier to senior officer. She has sat on and chaired promotion boards and now supports people across Defence through the Defence People Team. She understands how selection is made, how evidence is weighed, and how potential is assessed.

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With ACSIS, you will gain:

 

  • Insight from someone who has sat and chaired boards

  • Lived military experience of the challenges Marines face

  • Leadership expertise from senior command roles

  • Coaching knowledge shaped by supporting people across Defence

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Her career proves that with preparation and the right mindset, promotion is possible at every level.

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ACSIS helps you: 

Identify and Overcome Limiting Beliefs

 

We help you uncover the thoughts that quietly hold you back and replace them with a mindset built for growth.

Build Unshakable Self-Belief

 

Through personalised exercises and structured goals, we show you how to develop inner strength that does not crumble under pressure.

Communication Coaching

 

Confidence is not only about how you feel but how you express yourself. We guide you in becoming clear, assertive and engaging in any setting.

Develop Military Resilience 

 

Life throws challenges. Our coaching equips you with the same resilience strategies used in the military so you can recover fast and stay on track.

Accountability and Progress

 

We do not just inspire you once. We keep you accountable and focused so your confidence continues to grow session by session.

Let us help you:

 

  • Gain clarity on your promotion pathway and the evidence you must show

  • Develop courage to face boards and challenges with calm focus

  • Build confidence grounded in preparation, rehearsal and feedback

  • Protect balance in your personal life while progressing your career

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This is not surface-level motivation. This is growth that builds the foundation for everything you want to achieve.

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​Book Your Free Discovery Call

 

If you are preparing for promotion in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or RAF, ACSIS Life Coaching will help you align with your service values, strengthen your leadership and prepare with clarity, courage and confidence.

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👉 Book your free discovery session with ACSIS today

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👉 www.acsis.co.uk | ✉ contact@acsis.co.uk

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ACSIS Life Coaching:

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Coaching that meets you where you are. 

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Growth that carries you where you want to go.

Frequently Asked Questions: Royal Marines Promotion Coaching

 

1. How do I get promoted in the Royal Marines?

You must demonstrate excellence, integrity, humility and self-discipline while proving leadership potential. Coaching helps you prepare for boards and present these qualities clearly.

 

2. How can coaching improve my chances of success?

We prepare you through feedback review, board preparation, and leadership coaching to ensure you stand out under scrutiny.

 

3. Can Sam review my reports or feedback?

Yes. With your permission, Sam can review your reports and board feedback to create a tailored strategy.

 

4. Why are DE&I and welfare important for promotion?

Modern boards expect leaders to foster inclusive teams and prioritise welfare. Demonstrating this strengthens your credibility.

 

5. Do you coach both NCOs and officers?

Yes. Our coaching is designed for Marines at all ranks preparing for promotion.

 

6. Do you offer coaching outside London?

Yes. Coaching is available UK-wide online, as well as in-person sessions in London.

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