SC 138 Field Study 1, Day 4 – The United Kingdom

On 18 March 2021, Field Study 1 moved to the United Kingdom, and to a virtual session in which several speakers from various British government and defence institutions took part to brief SC 138 Course Members on the United Kingdom’s approach to national and global Defence.

With an introduction by COL David Hannah, British SNR and NDC Faculty Advisor, the welcome remarks were provided by the NDC’s Commandant LGEN Olivier Rittimann, who warmly addressed the 64 Course Members and British experts taking part in Day 4 of the virtual Field Study, and who highlighted the United Kingdom’s commitment and involvement in NATO’s defence operations. Opening remarks were delivered by MP James Heappey, Minister of the Armed Forces, who welcomed Course Members and stressed the UK’s endeavours to protect the Alliance’s interests across the globe.

The main topic discussed during the Thursday session was the United Kingdom’s broad outlook on Defence Policy – addressed by Mr Benjamin Short, Deputy Head of the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenges at the Ministry of Defence. He was followed by Dr. David Hall, Head of Security Policy at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who spoke about the United Kingdom’s position across the globe and its impact on international security. Mr. Daniel Drake, Head of joint MoD/FCDO Euro-Atlantic Security Policy, then, took the floor to brief on the impact of the Security Policy Framework in relation to NATO, the EU and OSCE Defence Affairs. In the last presentation of the morning, two Members of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood and the Rt. Hon. John Spellar, jointly explained the important role played by the House of Commons Defence Committee in international security.

The second part of the session addressed “the UK’s approach to conflict and stabilization”, conducted by Ms. Leigh Stubblefield, Deputy Director (Strategy, Policy and Religions), Conflict, Stabilization and Mediation Directorate at FCDO, contributing to the session with insightful information on UK efforts to build stability, prevent conflict and meet security challenges internationally. Lastly, as a final presentation, LGEN Richard Nugee shared his expertise on “Climate Change and Sustainability in UK Defence.” Closing remarks were provided by ADM Sir Tim Fraser, Vice Chief of Defence Staff.

Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Jose Moron Marchena, ESP C)