International Section Directing Staff
Lieutenant Colonel Dave Fielder joined International Section of the Defence Academy’s International Group, in January 2025 on a two-year Full Time Reserve Service contract.
His role focuses on the delivery of export defence education in support of MOD’s International Engagement Strategy. Lt Col Fielder, along with academic partner, Cranfield University does this through the Senior Strategic Leadership Programme and the Managing Defence in a Wider Security Context course. So far in 2025, he has travelled to Egypt, Moldova and Armenia. With further planned deployments to Jordan and Serbia.
“Both these courses have high defence engagement value, where demand exceeds capacity. Places on them are allocated to enhance the strategic management and governance performance of selected foreign officers and officials. This assists in the development and transformation of defence and security sectors, thereby advancing the defence and security interests of the UK.”
Coming from a role working in the Royal Navy’s Media Operations Specialisation, Lt Col Fielder brings a wealth of military and civilian knowledge to support this defence engagement role.
“Working as a reserves officer I bring a mix of military and civilian experience, enabling me to speak about work outside of the UK military, benefits the course members, some of whom may be non-government employees.”
Through international defence training, Lt Col Fielder is helping to shape security policies and strategy development in governments while strengthening partner relationships with NATO and European allies.
“Learning about local cultures, customs and issues keeps the grey matter working. Having pride in delivering valued outcomes and giving the course members inspiration in their own ongoing continuous professional development.”
Both a teacher and a lifelong learner, Lt Col Fielder holds a master’s degree from Exeter University and is an Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves) graduate. His academic credentials and professional experience significantly enhance his ability to contribute to the delivery of international engagement.
“This role has extended my military career and has allowed me to exploit the experience I have gained during deployments across a variety of UK defence roles. I value this fantastic opportunity to get amongst other countries that the UK is looking to engage. The face-to-face work is highly valuable and continues to allow open discussions much needed in the global stage.”
Dave’s military career began in 1990 when he commissioned as a Regular Royal Marine officer before transitioning to Reserves 8 years later. He has programme and project management expertise in civilian roles, while deployments to Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iraq, the Middle East and Somalia have helped shape his military experience.