On Wednesday 10 July, Major General Peter Rowell was invited to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) to deliver the annual Prince Phillip lecture. Founded by the late Queen Elizabeth II in memory of her husband, it was his own 1983 address on the importance of professional security and defence education (PDSE), that launched a debate that endures to this day.
For his contribution, General Rowell chose to focus on the integral role of partnerships and how collaborations between academia, industry, and the Defence Academy are critical to the evolution and effectiveness of the UK’s defence capabilities.
He opened by underscoring the Academy’s pivotal role in national defence:
He outlined how the Defence Academy adapts its educational methodologies both through partnerships and by integrating digitally enabled and modular blended learning solutions to ensure that our education remains current and relevant.
Discussing the role of conceptual, moral, and physical components in enhancing fighting power, he cited NATO doctrine to emphasise the importance of intellectual agility and adaptability in military power:
He went on to highlight how comprehensive conceptual understanding, fostered through academic partnerships, enables quick and effective navigation through change. This innovative approach balancing military doctrines with contemporary strategy is essential for maintaining a versatile and adaptive force capable of addressing both present and future challenges.
Maj Gen Rowell also reiterated the importance of enduring partnerships, outlining how the Academy facilitates the exchange of best practices and enhancing global defence cooperation, using the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) as an example:
In closing, Maj Gen Rowell summarised how through these strategic alliances and an unyielding commitment to innovation, adaptability, and global cooperation, the Academy not only enhances the UK’s defence capabilities but also secures its position at the forefront, as a leader in military education and training.