On Thursday 27 November 2025, seven parliamentarians were welcomed to Beckett House, home of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre (AFCC), as part of an orientation to defence.
The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the United Kingdom’s armed forces. Run annually, the scheme provides insight into the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, and requires a minimum commitment of 15 days over a 12-month course. The visit, led by Reverend (Group Captain) Ian Brown aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the human and moral dimensions of military service.
A key focus of the visit was the role of faith and belief in building resilience - a critical component of operational effectiveness. AFCC staff shared elements of their training curriculum, including modules on:
- moral injury
- ethical leadership
- spiritual care
These sessions highlighted how chaplains help personnel navigate the psychological and ethical challenges of military life.
The visitors were also introduced to AFCC’s rich history, tracing its evolution from supporting troops during the First World War, to equipping chaplains for the complex realities of modern conflict zones, including Ukraine.
Through real-world case studies, the group examined how nuanced understanding of belief systems can enhance operational outcomes, particularly in multinational and cross-cultural contexts, exploring how religious literacy and cultural understanding are increasingly vital in today’s strategic environment.
The visit concluded with a reflective discussion on the relevance of chaplaincy in contemporary defence, and a visit to the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum. Speaking at the end of the day, Revd Brown said:
“This visit has been a powerful reminder that resilience is not just physical or mental—it is also moral and spiritual. Exploring this with the MPs has underscored how this resources both individual wellbeing and national strategy.”
The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre is part of the Defence Leadership and Business Group (DLaB). Responsible for the delivery of cutting-edge leadership training and education to armed forces personnel, civil servants, and industry partners, DLaB equips them with the skills needed to shape complex and fast-moving environments.