On 20 September, the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) will celebrate 25 years since it was founded in 1997, following the merger of the three single-Service colleges of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.
JSCSC later moved to its new home at the Defence Academy in 2000.
To celebrate its formation, a series of events marking JSCSC25 will be taking place including:
- artwork exhibition, art lessons and unveiling of a new commissioned painting by Kim Whitby (www)
- guest panel conference covering topics on: “the past”, “the present”, “student perspectives” and “the future”
- a keynote speech
- RAF Falcons display
- Cormorant Club cocktail party
In advance of celebrations, we asked former students, members and staff of JSCSC to share their memories and thoughts of their time on courses. Here is a selection of their replies to our questions:
What did you find the most inspirational aspect of your course?
“The high-quality external speakers, some of whom had very moving stories to recount. One related to Op BARRAS (www), where the speaker was one of the hostages who had been rescued by one of the students on the course.”
“Listening to the experiences of people who had been personally affected by war, conflict and challenge. Some were military and some were family members who had lost loved ones. It taught me to better understand the consequences of our actions in the profession of arms.”
What was the most important lesson you learnt on your course?
“No matter how good you think you are, or how much you think you know, there are always smarter and better-informed people. ACSC provides a brilliant opportunity to learn from your peers and lift your head up from your single service stovepipe.”
“Realising that professionals from different cultures and nations truly see the world differently and can interpret facts in a wholly different way.”
As a staff member, what is the most significant change in delivery of joint Professional Military Education (PME) during your time at JSCSC?
“The shift to a remote and hybrid delivery model, originally caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. So much is online now and lessons can be accessed digitally before you start the course.”
“The adoption of Multi-Domain Integration (MDI) on the ACSC syllabus.”
In your experience, what are the real-world benefits of joint PME for defence?
“Everyone has something to bring to the table. Everyone has their own experiences and it is only through embracing and learning from the different services, from different ethos and from different individuals that we can truly learn to operate as a joint force.”
“Time to think, opportunities to challenge your own beliefs. Development of your own professional awareness, especially in the Joint environment. Opportunity to network with your joint peer group.”
What is your favourite memory of your time at JSCSC?
“Hearing the commanding officer of HMS Conqueror (www) and the weapons officer of the Belgrano (www) describe in detail their experiences during the Falklands Conflict was unforgettable and incredibly poignant."
“I have three: conducting a wargame in fields near Newbury; a tour of US Civil War battlefield sites; and attending the Dambusters Dinner, at which German students fully participated in the telling of the story.”
What did you find the most inspirational aspect of your course?
“The quantity and quality of external speakers was inspiring. I still feel a sense of huge privilege from having been exposed to that.”
“The collective view that both UK and allied armed forces operate for the best of their society and not for their own professional goals.”
What was the most important lesson you learnt on your course?
“I learned that there may be a different solution to a military problem, which requires an open-minded view of all situations and broader critical thinking skills.”
“The international element is vital.”
In your experience, what are the real-world benefits of joint PME for defence?
“ACSC provided me with greater insight, perspective and the opportunity to think about things in depth. It broadened my view and provided a better ability to operate in a joint environment and in partnered, complex operations in hostile and difficult locations across the globe.”
“Building a future senior leadership that can think critically, understand different perspectives and build a network of contacts in the UK and beyond.”
What is your favourite memory of your time at JSCSC?
“All the mess dinners and events - so very different from ours in the US - as well as the importance and utility of the tea breaks in networking!”
“ACSC had an incredible effect on me as a non-degree entrant into the Royal Navy. It opened a new way of learning and understanding that has carried through both to my personal and professional lives.”