The Field Study programme of Senior Course 123 continued with a visit to London, where the group arrived on 3rd October and was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Vice Chief of Defence Staff at the Ministry of Defence.
On the following day, SC123 was privileged to meet General Sir Nicholas Houghton, Chief of Defence Staff, who addressed Course Members on global security challenges and their significance for Britain’s defence. He highlighted the importance of NATO, which helps to maintain stability in many regions of the world.
The day continued with a series of briefings. Mr Steve McCarthy, Director of International Security Policy at the Ministry of Defence, outlined the main characteristics of British defence and security policy, emphasizing that defence is not an isolated instrument but one of the tools used to ensure the UK’s security. Mr McCarthy also stressed the critical importance of cooperating with international organizations and collaboration between NATO and the European Union, which lies at the heart of the activity undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Edward
Ferguson, Head of Defence Strategy and Priorities at the Ministry of Defence, delivered a presentation on British Defence Policy, with a focus on two main security objectives: to ensure that the UK is a secure and resilient international actor, and that it is able to shape a stable world. He also presented the key developments in defence since the Strategic Defence & Security Review (SDSR) in 2010, and the key priorities for SDSR 2015.
Mr David Prodger, Head of European Security Division at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, presented the UK’s views on the EU CSDP and NATO relationship. As an example of successful cooperation, he provided an analysis of the EU’s mission in the Horn of Africa.
Mrs Alison Stevenson, Head of NATO and Europe Policy at the Ministry of Defence, also discussed relations between NATO and the European Union. As the next NATO Summit will be held in the United Kingdom in 2014, she provided Course Members with a list of issues that may be on the Summit Agenda.
The last speaker of the day was Mr Nick Hamer from the Department for International Development (DFID), who briefed Course Members on the UK’s Developmental Approach to Conflict and Instability. There are currently 28 fragile states on DFID’s priority list, which are unable to fulfil their responsibilities according to the Millennium Development Goals; the UK Government helps them in developing a peaceful state and society.
The session ended with a successful Q&A, with Colonel Andrew Harrison from Operations Directorate joining the speakers.
The next stop of this Field Study will be Paris.
NDC Public Affairs Office
NATO Defense College 
