Last week, the Defence Academy welcomed 53 Members of Parliament and Peers for the annual ‘Introduction to Defence’ course, part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS). Held from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 September 2025, the programme offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the UK’s defence landscape and current military challenges.
Sponsored by Lord Stevens of Birmingham, Chairman of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust (AFPT), the visit marked the beginning of the 2025–26 AFPS programme, with Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) leading this year’s scheme.
The three-day programme is designed to provide parliamentarians with first-hand exposure to life in the armed forces, helping them develop a deeper understanding of defence policy, strategic operations, and the evolving global security environment. This insight is intended to inform their future contributions to parliamentary debates and decision-making on defence matters.
Key sessions included:
- strategic context for defence and security
- introductions to the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, including their maritime, land, air, and space domains
- overview of CSOC
- defence growth and National Armaments Directorate
- the UK’s defence deterrence
- MOD accountability
Attendees also engaged in interactive experiences at the Defence College for Military Capability Integration Technology Hub, including:
- cyber gaming
- flight simulation exercises
- small arms and laser shooting activities
Subject matter experts were on hand throughout to answer questions and provide deeper insight into the technologies and tactics used by UK forces.
The visit included with a VIP dinner hosted by Major General Peter Rowell, Chief Executive and Commandant of the Defence Academy. Lord Stevens of Birmingham, the AFPT Chairman, joined the event alongside members of the Defence Academy’s Senior Leadership Team. The evening featured an after-dinner talk by Dr George Hay, Official Historian, Commonwealth War Graves Commission on the work of the Commonwealth War Grave Commission.
AFPS continues to offer MPs and Peers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and understanding of the UK’s armed forces. The scheme requires a minimum commitment of 15 days over a 12-month period and includes placements with the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force.