Strategic Command

The Medical Operational Capability Improvement Programme (MOCIP) was commissioned by the DMS Tx Portfolio Board and the Surgeon General, with the aim of improving patient outcomes on Operations, by optimising medical capability across the Operational Patient Care Pathways. We are pleased to announce that in May 2024, the programme in conjunction with DES formally appointed ‘Efficio’, a professional services partner, to support the rapid design of a future operating model. The future Op Model will enable the medical function to take a holistic and collaborative approach to stockpiling and optimising how the supply chain responds to surges of demand. The programme will work closely with key partners and stakeholders during this period to ensure all plans are realistic and can be achieved as quickly as possible, guaranteeing the medical component of Defence capabilities are ready and prepared for any eventuality.

Rear Admiral Nick Washer, retiring Director of Operations, hands over to Air Vice-Marshal Tom Ashbridge who will now lead Operations going forward. RAdm Nick said: “After only intending to serve for eight years, I find myself ‘an accidental Admiral’ after 34 years! As I depart on new adventures, what I will miss most is the camaraderie, purpose and utter professionalism of the people with whom I have served.” We would like to take this opportunity on behalf of us all at DD to wish all the very best to Rear Admiral Nick Washer and to acknowledge the incredible years of Service that he has dedicated to the country.

🤝 Our partnerships with international allies and industry are vital to keep the nation safe.     🌎 The NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, brought together NATO officials, military and government representatives from across the alliance, and defence industry leaders.     🌐 The close collaboration between governments and the private sector is vital to maintaining NATO’s technological edge. Discussions covered strengthening our cyber defences, the latest space technologies, and the adoption of artificial intelligence.    🖋 At the Forum, Strategic Command’s Deputy Commander Lt Gen Tom C-S CBE signed a letter of intent for allied software for cloud and edge (ACE) services. 💻 This multi-national project will further develop NATO’s digital backbone – ensuring unified communications and enabling the seamless sharing of data across the land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace domains.    

📽️ The Defence Secretary John Healey gave his first speech in the House of Commons today and begun by paying tribute to all those in the Armed Forces for the role they play in keeping the UK safe. He also spoke of the UK's unshakeable commitment to NATO.

🇫🇰 The Falkland Islands provide a valuable and expansive training environment for our armed forces, with rough terrain and below freezing temperatures.     The Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company, currently 2 SCOTS, completed a comprehensive training exercise, working together with the Falkland Islands Defence Force, the Royal Navy’s HMS Forth, and the Royal Air Force (RAF)’s A400M and Typhoons.    See what they got up to ⬇

The Armed Forces supporting the State Opening of Parliament today. More than 1,100 tri-service personnel and almost 200 horses took part in the centuries-old-tradition, lining the streets, performing music and fanfares, and escorting His Majesty The King’s carriage procession on its route from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords. Gun salutes fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Honourable Artillery Company marked The King’s arrival at and departure from the House of Lords and Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday.

💭Did you know that international course members on the Advanced Command Staff Course (ACSC) are presented with a bronze cormorant pin badge at the end of their studies? The pin is a record of achievement for completing ACSC, and is presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire. The pin may be worn by course members on their uniform subject to local military dress regulations. One of this year’s recipients has been Lieutenant Commander Jake Guarino of the US Navy. Speaking of his experience of studying at the Defence Academy, and bringing his family with him, he said: “To obtain a greater depth of understanding we must reach beyond our comfort zones and knowledge. The opportunity to travel and engage with other people and perspectives does not come often in life and its value cannot be measured. This is precisely the opportunity that ACSC offered to my family. From the far reaches of the globe we were all brought together under one roof to learn, not just a curriculum, but from each other. The friendships that were forged here between families will never be forgotten and will surely have an impact on generations to come. For truly the greatest strength of a nation is in its relationships and in those we can call friend in our time of need.” ACSC supports UK military officers, international allies and civil servants to develop the intellectual edge required to achieve success on operations and leadership in government. ACSC study focuses on the following themes: 👉understanding the world through a theoretical grounding in international relations and strategy 👉managing the defence enterprise by developing business skills 👉applying the military instrument in the Information Age as part of an integrated force

🌍 Global operations 🤝 International alliances ⏳ Preparing for the future Strategic Command’s personnel work around the clock to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad. Working in partnership with international allies, industry, academia, and closely across government is vital to defending against current and future threats. We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon John Healey MP, to our Northwood Headquarters where he met teams from across Strategic Command who keep our nation safe.

🗣 “We strive to deliver training and education driven exclusively by purpose and necessity: in today’s rapidly evolving strategic environment, learning for learning’s sake is not an option.     “Our unequivocal purpose is to enhance the United Kingdom’s fighting power; this clear-eyed and unwavering objective guides us in all that we do.”     Major General Peter Rowell, Commandant of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, spoke at the Royal United Services Institute about the continued importance of military education and the Defence Academy’s latest educational offer for UK Defence and our international partners.       Key takeaways from his speech include:     🧭 The pace of change: Technology is advancing at different speeds in different areas, requiring military education to adapt to both incremental changes and rapid leaps.     💪 Components of fighting power: Education is key to developing the intellectual, moral, and physical aspects of military capability.     🤝 Academic and industry partnerships: Collaboration with academic institutions like King's College London and Cranfield University, as well as industry partners, is crucial for developing cutting-edge equipment and ensuring that military education remains relevant.     💻 Innovation at the Defence Academy: The Defence Academy is embracing blended learning, expanding access to education for all personnel, and exploring the use of AI in language learning and course development.     📚 The enduring nature of education: While technology like AI is transforming education, the core values of truth-seeking, critical thinking, and ethical leadership remain essential.   

Collaboration with industry is vital for our prosperity and security. Defence Minister John Healey met representatives of UK defence companies to discuss opportunities to boost UK supply chains, manufacture more in the UK 🇬🇧, create jobs and invest in our future industrial legacy.