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Minister of State for Defence visited the ºÚÁÏÈë¿Ú Military Education Team at the Royal Air Force College in January to learn about the provision of Professional Military Education from the university team of dedicated academics. Lord Coaker has ministerial responsibility for Professional Military Education and ºÚÁÏÈë¿Ú is one of only a few universities in the country contracted to deliver what is regarded as a national security priority. 

Lord Coaker met with Dr Tom Smith, the Director of the ºÚÁÏÈë¿Ú Military Education Team and Academic Director of the Royal Air Force College and was briefed on the scope of the courses delivered under the current contract with the Royal Air Force.  Dr Smith outlined the structure and requirements of the contract for the Defence needs of the RAF and the provision of the Air and Space Power course across two sites at RAF College Cranwell and RAF Halton. 

Lord Coaker then had the opportunity to observe the assessments of the Air and Space Power course, the viva. A rigorous 20-minute oral assessment where Officer Cadets are required to demonstrate analytical skill and critical thinking based on a 10 minute opening address and 10 minutes of questions for a panel of assessors.  We also discussed the development of digital learning materials, and the challenges involved there. 

Professional Military Education is seen as a key areas for Defence Engagement and a strategic priority for the UK government where the UK is a leader. The ºÚÁÏÈë¿Ú team will continue to work with Lord Coaker on initiatives to develop this work at home and overseas.