The Defence Academy has welcomed participants of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS), continuing a long-standing commitment to strengthening understanding between policymakers and the UK Armed Forces.
During the two-day ‘Introduction to Defence’ course from the 16 – 17 September, the Academy provided members of Parliament and peers a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the challenges, opportunities and strategic realities facing Defence today.
The year-long scheme is sponsored by Lord Stevens of Birmingham, Chairman of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust (AFPT), and is designed to deepen parliamentarians' appreciation of military service and contemporary Defence issues. By engaging directly with Defence leaders, academics and military practitioners, the aim is for MPs and peers to be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to defence-related debates and decision-making in Parliament. The programme reflects the importance of ensuring those responsible for shaping policy have a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment in which the armed forces operate.
A key highlight of the visit was an address by the Right Honourable Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence, who spoke to parliamentarians and hosts about the strategic importance of Defence in an increasingly complex global environment, underscoring the critical role that informed political engagement plays in supporting national security and the armed forces.
Delegates were also introduced to the work of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) through a presentation by Air Vice-Marshal Martin Brockie, Assistant Commander CSOC. The briefing explored the growing significance of cyber operations and specialist capabilities in responding to emerging threats and maintaining the UK's competitive edge in an evolving security landscape.
The importance of military strategy and command structures was further examined by Major General Duncan Forbes, Chief of Staff for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) who provided an overview of the processes that underpin Defence planning and operational decision-making. This was complemented by a briefing from Air Vice-Marshal Adam Bone, Director of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group who outlined the role intelligence plays in informing policy, supporting operations and understanding adversary intent.
Looking beyond current operations, the programme also explored the relationship between Defence, industry, and economic growth with Calum Taylor, Deputy Director for Industry Skills and Place within the National Armaments Directorate, outlining the Defence sector's contribution to national prosperity, innovation, and skills development across the UK.
Several presentations focused on strategic policy and deterrence. Professor Wyn Bowen, Head of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, discussed the enduring importance of deterrence in safeguarding national interests, along with Garrett Martin, Deputy Director Nuclear Policy, who offered valuable insight into the UK's nuclear posture and its place within wider defence policy. The broader global security context was examined by George Henes, Deputy Director for Governance at the Ministry of Defence, who explored the challenges shaping defence and security strategy in an increasingly interconnected world. All presentations were followed by lively and enthusiastic question and answer sessions during which the MPs and peers were able to deepen their knowledge on particular issues.
The visit concluded with closing remarks from Major General Peter Rowell, Commandant and Chief Executive of the Defence Academy, and Lord Stevens of Birmingham. Both emphasised the importance of maintaining strong links between Defence and Parliament, ensuring that policymakers are equipped with the knowledge and understanding necessary to support informed debate on national security matters.
As the geopolitical environment continues to evolve, initiatives such as the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme remain essential in fostering dialogue, strengthening relationships, and enhancing understanding between those who serve and those who help shape the policies that guide them. The visit demonstrated the Defence Academy's unique role in advancing strategic thinking and provided members of both Houses in the Palace of Westminster with valuable insights into the people, capabilities and concepts that underpin the security of the United Kingdom.