Defence College of Technical Training: An MOD Case Study

Research Paper Title Case Study – Ministry of Defence. Abstract For four years between 2009 and 2013 Colonel Garry Hearn, a serving army officer with over 35 years’ experience, was the principal of a large, then Defence College for Communications and Information Systems (renamed Defence School of CIS in 2012). This was a multi-site college with over 1,000 staff, 600 of which were trainers… Read More

Fortune & Training…

“Think thou that these magnificent, victorious Legionnaires became what they are through some arbitrary stroke of fortune? Nay! They do not sit around congratulating themselves in the wake of every victory. Nay! They spend every moment refining and improving their craft. Without apology, they pursue excellence. Each one knows and understands that he alone stands… Read More

Initial Officer Training & Education: 1 vs 3 Years, Britain & Sweden

Research Paper Title Initial Officer Training and Education in the British Army. Abstract Nations, their armed forces and the organisations, structures and processes which their armed forces employ all differ. They may have similarities: for example, all armies tend to have corporals, captains and colonels. However, underneath such relatively superficial similarities, the differences may be significant. Those differences… Read More

Denial & Survival…

Denial has no survival value. “…since ‘pure’ truth not only does not exist, it has no survival value whatsoever.” (Wilden, 1972 & 1980, p.303). Although often credited to Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman talking about violent encounters (Buckeye Firearms Association, 2015): “Denial kills you physical, mentally, and financially. It has no survival value. Chew it up,… Read More

Joining the Military & Your Future Job: Assigned or Chosen?

Having browsed a number of military and military-related forums regarding recruitment and selection, I noticed the same (two-part) question popping up: Do they assign you a role, or do you choose the role yourself? If you apply as an officer but don’t succeed (e.g. insufficient leadership skills) do they encourage you to apply again as… Read More

Merit: The Person or their Title?

“I weigh the man, not his title; ‘tis not the king’s stampcan make the metal better or heavier.” William Wycherley (1640-1715) From his play ‘The Plain Dealer’, which is a Restoration comedy first performed on 11 December 1676, and is based on Molière’s Le Misanthrope.

Leadership & Rank…

“Leadership is not a rank.” Unknown “Leadership is a choice, not a rank.” Simon Sinek (Management Theorist) Reference Sinek, S. (2014) Leadership is about making others feel safe: Simon Sinek at TED2014. Available from World Wide Web: http://blog.ted.com/leadership-is-about-making-others-feel-safe-simon-sinek-at-ted2014/. [Accessed: 03 January, 2015].