Lt Gen Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB, Dep CGS, recently presented to the ACSC 27.

She highlighted priorities and risks for the UK Land Forces, the importance of positive leadership, and how proud she was of all the British Army is achieving worldwide, alongside allies and partners.

All of us in HMS NORTHUMBERLAND are looking forward to returning to the North East this weekend. The Ship will be ‘open to visitors’ between 1000-1500 on Saturday and we look forward to welcoming you on board 🟡🔴

🇨🇿 The Czech Republic proved a great host for course members, improving understanding of a partner nations capabilities and perspective. A purposeful visit with plenty to digest..!

Last week, course members travelled by air, rail and even an occasional ferry to participate in Regional Security Exercises (RSEs). Standby for broadcast..!

Following CJO’s opening to the term, Land Domain capabilities have been the initial focus of study, concluding with the Army’s DCGS address, highlighting the British Army’s focus on Readiness, Modernisation & its Workforce. Maritime Domain next after some overseas travel…!

Term 2 (Operate) is underway, with the keynote address delivered by Chief of Joint Operations, Chief of Joint Operations, outlining the challenges associated with theatre campaigns, right to left thinking, audience centricity & integrating at the op level. DCGS & overseas visits next up…

Today, Dame Meg Hillier, DBE, MP for Hackney and Shoreditch and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, visited the Joint Services Command and Staff College at the Defence Academy.

Her visit included an address to the UK Advanced Command and Staff Course during the Managing Defence Enterprise stage.

“Managing the Defence Enterprise” continues with the Second Permanent Under Secretary, Paul Lincoln & Defence Equipment & Support CEO & Dir Ops presenting.

The big question now - how do we increase speed of decision making & agility in our Defence Operating Model?! Inspiration please!

Our ‘Managing the Defence Enterprise’ Module kicked off with a hugely insightful session with Alex Zino from Rolls-Royce, Amelia Gould from Helsing & Richard Powell from QinetiQ Group discussing leadership in the Defence Industry & how we can operate more effectively together!

Q: What do you call a group of cyclists?
A: A peloton

Q: What do you call the same group, when they have an essay deadline looming?
A: Procrastoton

Outside our core programme of Understanding, Operating & Integrating at the Operational level we are also getting the chance to engage with topics such as Neurodiversity & Mindfulness - great tools to make us more effective leaders and decision-makers in future Defence roles!

The Strategy module draws to a close today, following a great day out in London where we were honoured to have Mark Sedwill & DG Sec & Pol (Mr Paul Wyatt) address the course.

Big questions we’ve looked at - does the UK have a grand strategy? How effective are we at strategy…?

Week 8 of ACSC 27 already!

As well as a stimulating academic programme there is so much more on offer here at the Defence Academy, including a range of sporting opportunities!

Last week 5 ACSC members played in the Academy’s football team that ran out 4-1 winners vs 27 Regt RLC!

It was a great pleasure to recently host a Botswanan Defence Command and Staff College delegation.

Currently developing their own Command & Staff Course academic and military programmes into one integrated course, the visit was to benchmark future delivery alongside our UK Advanced Command and Staff Course.

Ending the week in style with our Maritime dinner, remembering the Battle of Trafalgar!

Honoured to have Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as our guest of honour and providing insights into his solo, non-stop navigation of the world!

German students hosting Oktoberfest next week..!

Copehill Down played host to ACSC 27 in a informative, professional and impressive display of Land Combat Power. Thanks to The Iron Division Royal Tank Regiment 12 Armd BCT

Welcome ACSC27 - 257 course members spanning all 3 services and the Civil Service, with representation from 49 different countries!

This photograph has been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be ordered online at gsimagebank.co.uk/jointservices/…”

We're pleased to welcome the #RedArrows back to the skies above #Shrivenham for the first time since 2014!

The world-renowned aerobatics team are here to celebrate our UK Advanced Command and Staff Course graduates and mark the end of their studies.

🎉✈️Congratulations, graduates!

Red Arrows