During Summer 2023, members of the CND team had the privilege of attending the Defence Academy in Shrivenham. The aim of the visit was for members from private sector organisations and businesses who employ or sponsor RFCA personnel to view the facilities and receive an introduction to the purpose and function of the Defence Academy, arranged by Wessex RFCA and sponsored by Andy Lambert, DCMCI SO1 Technology Hub.
The following is an account of the day by CND's very own Lin and Natalie:
"Upon our arrival we were met the group and had an introduction /presentation from Andy where he covered the different training they [Defence Academy] provide and an overview of the facilities.
We then headed to the DCMCI Light Weapons Wing and had a short brief from Liam Easton, SO2 LWW who is the SME for the armoury. During this section of the day, we had the opportunity to walk around and look at all of the weapons, including the ability to handle them; with strict instructions not to lick them because of the risk of radiation! There were hundreds of weapons new and old from all over the world, including 3d printed ones.
After this we headed to the Technology Hub for a look around. We were able to explore the inside of some of the tanks and got a different viewpoint of a tank, which was split in half to demonstrate what little space soldiers have when inside.
Our final leg of the tour was to the Cormorant Building, Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) where we were given a tour and mobile briefing by Commander Jon Binns Royal Navy, COS JSCSC.
This was personally my [Natalie] favourite part of the day. The walls of the Cormorant Building were lined with historical paintings moved from Greenwich and more modern military pictures. Walking through this building was such a humbling and moving experience. Cdr Binns was really engaging and made the tour not only informative but also interesting. We got the opportunity to view the accommodation and training rooms as well as the library.
The JSCSC was formed after the closure of the 4 former staff colleges in the UK to combine training for all 3 UK Armed Services, the MOD Civil Service and international allies, to future commanders and staff officers. This was a truly, fascinating building!
The day finished with a delicious lunch provided by Wessex RFCA concluding a memorable and interesting day.
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