The Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) has proudly marked the graduation of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) 28, with this year’s Guest of Honour, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, in attendance.
A globally respected programme that continues to shape the future of defence leadership, this year’s ACSC cohort included over 100 representatives from 55 allied partner nations.
In his closing address, His Majesty congratulated the course members on their achievements:
“Graduates, as you step forward into the next chapter of your lives, remember this: success is not just about where you go next, but about how you approach the journey ahead. Carry with you the skills you have developed, the lessons learned, the international network and friendships built, and the fantastic memories of this very special year here at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Now, the world is waiting for your ideas, your leadership, and your passion. Make the most of it.”
Last week’s award ceremony was the culmination of a series of high-profile events to mark the end of the course, which included:
- presentation of the Cormorant Pin badges to international students by Dame Sarah Rose Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire
- a closing address from Colonel Rory Shannon, Director ACSC
keynote speech by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, KCB ADC, Chief of the Defence Staff - fly pasts and aerial displays from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Reflecting on the past 11 months, course director Colonel Shannon said:
"It has been a privilege to lead ACSC 28. Many congratulations to each and every course member and to all the staff for successfully concluding this world class Professional Military Education course.”
Speaking directly to the course members he continued:
“You have developed mindsets that are open, enquiring and confident of critically analysing information, conceptualising, effectively applying professional knowledge and offering original thinking. The future is only going to get faster and more complex, so continue to be lifelong learners and prepare yourselves, and those you have the privilege to serve and lead, as effectively as possible.
“This has been a course full of the most valuable opportunities. I am delighted you have grasped these with professional curiosity and positivity whilst also supporting each other, upholding the course values of humility, empathy and creativity, and making long-lasting friendships. I have been genuinely impressed by your efforts, and I know each of you will leave the College far richer for the experience.
“I offer particular thanks and congratulations to our international course members who completed the course in a second or third language, noting the opportunity to share our experiences and draw from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives is fundamental to the success of the course. I encourage everyone to make use of the broad networks you have created, across the 56 nations represented on ACSC 28, to aid in your future endeavours. You are all now alumni of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom so please stay connected.
“Be dealers in hope but be ready to warfight."
During the final day’s activities, His Majesty was able to present his son, ACSC 28 alumni, His Royal Highness, Prince Abdul Mateen, with the Pass Staff College (Joint) Certificate for ACSC, and the Cormorant Pin, which is awarded to international course members.
ACSC 29 will commence in September 2025.
ACSC prizes and winners
Commandant’s Commendation
Awarded to course members who the Commandant wishes to commend for their exceptional contributions to all aspects of life on ACSC.
Presented by the Chief Executive and Commandant of the Defence Academy, Major General Peter Rowell:
- Lieutenant Colonel Fabrice Dubosson, Swiss Armed Forces
- Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Williams, Royal Marines
- Wing Commander Paul Allen, Royal Air Force
- Wing Commander Victoria Williams, Royal Air Force
- Lieutenant Colonel Claire Hall, British Army
- Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Clark, British Army
- Lieutenant Colonel Simon Guest, British Army
- Major Michael Joseph DiGirolamo, United States Air Force
- Lieutenant Colonel Harry Noble, British Army
- Wing Commander James Woodcock, Royal Air Force
- Wing Commander Ruth Fordyce, Royal Air Force
Cormorant Fellowships
Awarded to course members who have shown academic excellence in the judgement of the Dean of Academic Studies. Presented by the Dean of Academic Studies, Professor Kate Utting.
- Lieutenant Colonel Amelia Morrissey, British Army
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Limb, Royal Marines
- Lieutenant Colonel Harry Noble, British Army
- Major Christopher Daniel Phillips. United States Space Force
Andover and Brooke Popham Prizes
Awarded to international and UK course members for outstanding Defence Research Papers (DRP), the major academic submission of the course. Presented by Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences, at the Royal United Services Institute.
Runner-Ups to the Andover Prize for the international course member DRP
- Major Nicholas Goulet, Canadian Army
- Lieutenant Colonel Valentin Caquot, French Army
Winner of The Andover Prize for the Best DRP by an international course member
- Major Christopher Daniel Phillips, United States Space Force
Winners of the Brooke-Popham Prize
- Lieutenant Colonel Amelia Morrissey, British Army
- Wing Commander Martin Pert, Royal Air Force
The Ironmongers Prize for Innovation
Awarded to the course member who stood out in terms of creativity, critical analysis of problems, the confidence to experiment and take justifiable intellectual risk. Presented by Past Master Mr George Bastin of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.
- Colonel Niall Aye Maung, British Army
Best Strategy, Operations and Defence Capability Awards
Best Operations Course Member
Awarded to the course member who has shown the best all-round theoretical understanding and practical aptitude in integrated and joint operations. Presented by Mr Sean Ryan of QinetiQ.
- Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Teeling, British Army
Best Defence Capability Course Award
Awarded to the course member who has shown the greatest understanding of the principles that govern higher management of defence in balancing policy, concepts, capability and resource and their application at that level. Presented by Mrs Charlotte Davies of ADS.
- Wing Commander William McDonald, Royal Air Force
Best Strategy Course Member
Awarded to the course member who has developed and applied the greatest understanding and analysis of UK Security and Defence, the formulation of strategy and its applications to regions of interest. Presented by Mr Noel Beavis of SERCO.
- Commander Michael Greaves, Royal Navy
The Best Civil Servant Course Member Award
Awarded to the civil service course member who has shown the greatest conceptual and practical understanding of integrated defence and security issues, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Presented by Mr Noel Beavis of SERCO
- Miss Scarlett Unsworth, Civil Service
Best Air and Space Course Member
Awarded to the Air and Space Force course member who has shown the greatest conceptual and practical understanding of integrated defence and security issues, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Presented by Mr Ashley Hilsden of Northrop Grumman UK.
- Wing Commander Suzanne Wall, Royal Air Force
Best Army Award
Awarded to the Army course member who has shown the greatest conceptual and practical understanding of integrated defence and security issues, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Presented by Mr Dave Worrell of General Dynamics UK.
- Lieutenant Fallon-Indianna Brett, British Army
Navy Award
Awarded to the Navy or Marine course member who has shown the greatest conceptual and practical understanding of integrated defence and security issues, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Presented by Mr David Morland of Babcock
- Lieutenant Thomas Limb, Royal Marines
The Thales Prize for Best International Course Member
Awarded to the international course member who has stood out in terms of military and academic excellence relating to the understanding of the joint nature of military operations, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Presented by Mr Dave Hudson of Thales UK.
- Major Nicholas Goulet, Canadian Army
The Chief of Defence Staff Prize
Awarded to the course member who has stood out in terms of military and academic excellence relating to the understanding of the joint nature of military operation, and who has made a significant contribution to the wider aspects of ACSC. Announced by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, and presented by Colonel (Retd) Graham Shannon of BAE Systems.
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Limb, Royal Marines
The Cormorant Award
Awarded to the course member who is voted by their cohort for having made the greatest contribution to the course community. Sponsored by the Cormorant Club and presented by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei.
- Lieutenant Colonel Fabrice Dubosson