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A Brief Overview of British Army Officer Selection and Training

Introduction This article provides a brief outline of the British Army’s officer selection and training process, as at November 2022. Initial Interest and Local Recruitment Centre Army Officer recruitment is undertaken in partnership with Capita. Once an Individual has registered their initial interest, Officer selection begins with a formal interview at a local recruitment centre.… Read More

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What was the Morgenthau Plan?

Introduction The Morgenthau Plan was a proposal to eliminate Germany’s ability to wage war following World War II by eliminating its arms industry and removing or destroying other key industries basic to military strength. This included the removal or destruction of all industrial plants and equipment in the Ruhr. It was first proposed by United… Read More

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What was the Mutual Defence Assistance Act (1949)?

Introduction The Mutual Defence Assistance Act (MDAA) was a United States Act of Congress signed by President Harry S. Truman on 06 October 1949. For US Foreign policy, it was the first US military foreign aid legislation of the Cold War era, and initially to Europe. The Act followed Truman’s signing of the Economic Cooperation… Read More

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What was the Marshall Plan (US)?

Introduction The Marshall Plan (officially the European Recovery Programme, ERP) was an American initiative enacted in 1948 to provide foreign aid to Western Europe. The United States transferred over $13 billion (equivalent of about $115 billion in 2021) in economic recovery programmes to Western European economies after the end of World War II. Replacing an… Read More

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What was the Point Four Plan (US)?

Introduction The Point Four Program was a technical assistance programme for “developing countries” announced by United States President Harry S. Truman in his inaugural address on 20 January 1949. It took its name from the fact that it was the fourth foreign policy objective mentioned in the speech. Refer to Marshall Plan. Background By 1947… Read More

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What was the US Economic Cooperation Administration?

Introduction The Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) was a US government agency set up in 1948 to administer the Marshall Plan. Refer to Point Four Programme. Background It reported to both the State Department and the Department of Commerce. The agency’s first head was Paul G. Hoffman, a former leader of car manufacturer Studebaker; he was… Read More