GETC Newsletter - 4th Edition - July 2011

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1 Introduction In a climate of uncertainty, drawdown, reduction and restriction, I am delighted to be able to report details of a raft of positive measures being driven forward by GETC in support of RAF personnel everywhere. With all residential elements of PMD(Air) now either in place or in development and with a culture of online learning beginning to take hold across the board, our attention continued to focus throughout this period on Force Development. You will be aware that the FD AT Wing is now part of GETC. I am pleased to report that the resultant combination of expertise in generic education, FD and AT has already resulted in the endorsement by the Air Force Board of a milestone paper Developing and Maintaining a Warfighter Spirit. This paper is the foundation for - amongst other things - an exciting new programme of centralised FD activities, the EAGLE schemes that are already providing a menu of off-the-shelf multi-disciplinary activities in the UK and abroad through which will be offered various combinations of robust physical activity, air power education, mental resilience, leadership development, rigorous adventurous trg and more. In addition, the Phase 2 Study report has now been released and contains a number of recommendations designed to ensure the efficient targeted delivery of generic education across our many phase 2 establishments. The Senior Officer Study Programme has entered the design and development phase and expressions of interest have been received from several universities regarding the potential for SOSP to lead into a brand new elective multi-disciplinary MA programme. The wealth of Air Power resources available through PMD(A) Online continues to grow, with a number of stns now involved in producing first class briefing and discussion material that will be made generally available via the PMD(A) Online Air Power Resource and Force Development areas. PMD(A) Online now also hosts new self-teach packages on Staff Ride facilitation, Analysing and Communicating Effectively and The Mentoring Scheme. The second edition of Spotlight - Cyber - is on the streets and brings together contributions from a diverse range of sources into a readable and digestible summary on this increasingly important topic. Finally the GETC Leadership team will shortly step bravely into cyberspace themselves with new applications in development for mentor training, mentoring management and of course the ground-breaking inaugural CAS s Virtual Leadership Conference 5-7 Jul 11. GETC Newsletter - 4th Edition - July 2011 Produced by Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command. 0113_11WB Crown Copyright/MOD 2011

2 Air Power Spotlight 11-2: Cyber. JOD Legacy Course 203 The Air Power team have developed a second Spotlight brief: Cyber. Spotlights are designed to inform those engaged in air power education, either at Formal Training Establishments or through Force Development, to improve general knowledge on emerging themes or unfamiliar topics. It is anticipated that increased awareness of Spotlight topics will help educators and briefers spot linkages with their own area of expertise or responsibility. To help make the guides digestible they are kept to twenty pages or less in length hopefully short enough to describe the topics succinctly as well as provide guidance to those delivering generic courses or briefs. In particular the guides suggest lines to take and new to this edition - topics that could be used for discussion in syndicate rooms or essays. New Air Power and Defence Studies reading material. Defence Strategic Direction (Conf) has now been issued to replace Defence Strategic Guidance DCDC has recently published Joint Doctrine Note 2/11 The UK Approach to Unmanned Aircraft Systems a comprehensive and interesting guide to the doctrine, equipment, ethics and future of Unmanned Aircraft in all of their forms. Air Power Review continues to be the flagship UK air power academic publication, and copies can be found online through the Centre for Air Power Studies website. Information on all air power matters can be found on PMD(Air) through the Air Power Resource all unclassified and available over the internet. JOD Legacy. The GETC participation in the delivery of Junior Officer Development Legacy courses concluded with JOD Legacy Course 203 at RAF Cranwell in Mar 11. In all the GETC delivered 4 JOD Legacy courses in concert with Air Warfare Centre and Kings College London, in addition to primary tasking.

3 ASCPECT The Air, Space and Cyber Power Education Advisory Coherence Team (ASCPECT) is the body which disseminates education policy as determined by the 1* Air, Space and Cyber Power Education Advisory Group (ASCPEAG). The process works both ways and requests for direction can also be passed to ASCPEAG from anyone involved in air power education and training. ASCPECT most recently met in Apr 11, the main themes being aligning training objectives with the Air Power GETR, coherence of syllabi across the through-service education programme PMD(Air), and linkages between residential education and Force Development. FD Air Power Education and Training Day In the last week of May the GETC hosted an Air Power Education and Training Day for Force Development teams. The event, which demonstrated the range of education tools available to assist with the delivery of the Air Power element of the Force Development programme, attracted a number of FD units. During the day the Air Power Questionnaire and its rationale were explained, as were 2 versions of adaptable Air Power briefs, all of which are available through the Air Power Resource and Force Development areas of PMD(A) Online. Watch out for the next meeting - and for GETC teams visiting your station to assist with and deliver air power lecture programmes. Air Power Study Pack Modules The Distance Learning Air Power Study Pack Modules, originally derived from the Air Power Study Packs and found on PMD(A) Online, are being updated as the terminology used and the aircraft in the RAF inventory have changed significantly. Work to update the modules is ongoing and is expected to be complete in approximately six months time. In collaboration with AWC and DCDC all obsolete terminology has been identified and we are now working to update the text and graphics. Please continue to use the modules and pass any feedback direct to GETC Air Power Training Strategy Team. Air Combat Power Visit (ACPV) The ACPV is scheduled to take place from 26 to 30 Oct 11 at RAF Waddington. The ACPV concept provides a location at which it is possible to explain the role of Air Power to political and media audiences, as well as to our Joint colleagues undertaking the Advance Command Staff Course. As such ACPV includes briefs on the roles of Air Power as well as static aircraft displays, role briefs and demonstrations. The final and potentially most important audience for ACPV is you! An integral part of ACPV is the Force Development Day - if you would like to attend ACPV FD Day please get in touch with your Stn FDS.

4 Leadership CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF BIENNIAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The Chief of the Air Staff s Biennial Leadership Conference 2011 was held during the period 5-7 July. This time it was decided to break with the tradition of holding the Conference at a recognised static venue and to stage the event virtually over the internet in order to increase the accessibility of the conference, generate Servicewide discussion on the chosen subjects through forums, and to examine the suitability of holding this conference, and potentially others, electronically on PMD(A) Online. This inaugural virtual conference for the RAF was entitled Air Force Leadership in a Disconnected, Interconnected World. During the 3-day period lectures and presentations were screened over the internet; whereupon a live forum enabled conference attendees to pose questions. Over 400 people logged onto PMD(A) Online to participate in this event and the flow of questions was extremely buoyant throughout the Conference, with the ability to interact with each presenter, live on-line, being a unique and highly impressive opportunity. The Conference was introduced and officially opened by the CinC. The Conference then proceeded with the Tactical Communications Wing, from RAF Leeming, discussing NCO Leadership Connecting the Disconnected, and the Thomas Telford School providing a case study of their experience of Leading Edge Learning using the latest technology. Day 2 saw Air Commodore Monkman giving his perspective of the Conference s theme in relation to current operations. The final day gave Wg Cdr Hartford (PhD student of Leadership) the opportunity to discuss Panoptical Illusions Investigating the potential impact of NEC on Mission Command, and members of the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (Kinloss) giving details of leadership in a Multi-Agency World. The final presentation was given by the Chief of the Air Staff, who also formally closed the Conference. This unique RAF Leadership Conference was the first to give access potentially for all members of the Royal Air Force to join in. On Stations, Force Development Squadrons organised various gatherings to participate in the event; individuals at their workstations were able to log onto their PC and participate; personnel on operations overseas also joined in, again using the internet medium. Reaching out to the Diaspora, individuals were also able to participate. It is difficult to accurately determine how many people joined in the Conference but it is estimated that over the three days in excess of 3000 personnel enjoyed the experience. It is hoped that the success of this first RAF Leadership Virtual conference will be the springboard for others, and the catalyst for a new, robust communications medium.

5 LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE During March 2011 a leadership exchange initiative took place; this event was designed to share leadership ideas and experiences from personnel of differing ranks, branches and trades. Personnel from our many training schools were invited to the event and outside guest speakers were also invited to add value to the exchange. The two-day programme included workshops and presentations on the following aspects of leadership: RAF Attributes and Objectives; Authentic Leadership; Officer Training; Mission Command and Followership; and, from a civilian perspective, Leadership from a Midwife s World. The programme was deemed to be a resounding success. Many interesting debates took place and a wide range of theories were discussed, all of which added value to the development of the RAF Leadership Educational Curriculum. It is planned to hold regular leadership exchanges, with the next one scheduled for October, and then on a rolling, six-monthly basis. MASTERS SYMPOSIUM The GETC annually provides funding and sponsorship for study at Masters level in leadership related topics. We currently have a number of personnel enrolled on the Masters programme and it is hoped that this exciting funding opportunity will continue for many years to come. Individuals currently enrolled on the Masters programme were invited to attend the GETC Masters Symposium which was held in April. The aim of the symposium was to develop our understanding of the participants (who are at differing stages of study) experiences of studying at Master Level, to support them in their studies, and to enable them to meet with colleagues engaged in similar education programmes. The discussions included ideas and sharing of practise in relation to distance learning, dissertation formulation, and to identify if there are any areas of student support that could be improved upon. One area that was highlighted was the ability for the GETC to now coordinate and focus the type of research formulated into dissertations which would benefit both the individual and indeed the future Royal Air Force Leadership development curriculum. The workshop was deemed an extremely useful vehicle by all concerned and the next symposium will be held on Tuesday 11 October this year whereupon new entrants to the scheme will be invited.

6 PMD(A) Online All RAF personnel have now been enrolled on the internet-facing RAF distance learning platform PMD(A) Online, with access to e-learning information on a wide range of subjects to help become more effective both in and out of the workplace. Users can access the site at using the same login details as their Defence Learning Portal (DLP) account. PMD(A) Online continues to deliver elements of leadership and management courses, for officers and airmen; in addition, the Air Power Resource area has generated some excellent forum discussions, the most recent being on the Libyan conflict. A key task of the GETC is to develop appropriate content to ensure PMD(A) Online remains relevant, appealing and engaging to users. As well as creating in-house leadership modules, the PMD(A) Online Team has worked with a number of contractors to introduce new interactive e-learning modules in subjects such as Staff Rides, Mentoring and Analysing and Communicating Effectively. Staff Rides This module can be accessed from the PMD(A) Online front-page toolbar under the Through Career Development tab. The interactive package covers the history of staff rides, as well as the principles and best practice of creating and running a stand. The module also includes a video of a model staff ride to consolidate student learning.

7 Mentoring Scheme This module can be accessed from the PMD(A) Online front-page toolbar under the Through Career Development tab. The package teaches students the aim of the mentoring scheme, the principles of being a mentor and provides interactive scenarios to teach the core mentoring skills.

8 Mentoring Management System This new system is internet based and will become active with the launch of the RAF Mentoring Scheme in Autumn The system will automate the process of matching and managing Mentor/Mentee relationships. In particular, mentors will help and encourage mentees to assess their own personal and professional needs, and to develop their career competencies.

9 Analysing and Communicating Effectively (ACE) This interactive module can be accessed from the PMD(A) Online front-page toolbar under the PMD(A) Toolkit tab. The aim of ACE is to provide knowledge, advice and guidance in the analytical, research and planning skills needed for analysing and communicating effectively. The PMD(A) Online Team regularly run training courses on course development and administration. This has allowed PMD(A) delivery organisations, Station Force Development Squadrons, Specialist Units and Technical Training Schools to create their own distance learning courses on the site and engage fully with students on PMD(A) Online. Further details on PMD(A) Online course dates can be obtained from Sqn Ldr Dean Brown, SO2 PMD(A) Online,

10 Generic Education and Training PHASE 2 GENERIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING Phase 2 Study Further to the sponsor and Formal Training Establishment (FTE) briefs distributed 2 Jul 10 informing you of the commencement of a Phase 2 Generic Education and Training, a detailed report has now been published. The Study reviewed Generic Education and Training (GE&T) within Phase 2 by specifically focussing upon the current content and means of implementation and governance. The findings recognised the need for a re-organisation and implementation of existing policies, a review of current content and the reinforcement of the need to consolidate and then contextualise Phase 1 themes.. The recommendations fall under 4 distinct areas; sponsors responsibilities, FTE responsibilities, methods of delivery, in particular the use of Force Development Training Centres (FDTCs) and documentation. An overview of the Phase 2 Study was briefed at the recent Branch and Trade Sponsors Conference, Jun 11. Emphasis was placed upon the specific

11 recommendations that detail how sponsors in particular can support the development of Phase 2 GE&T within their AOR. An Implementation Plan will now be initiated with Training Sponsors and FTEs. Should you have any questions regarding the Study please contact SO3 Phase 1 and 2 Generic Education and Training, Flt Lt Tin Brooks (22TrgGp-GETC-GenericTrg-SO3@ mod.uk) or on x We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who contributed to the Study. PHASE 3 GENERIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING Course Design JOD 3 and SOSP The final element of the PMD(A) Junior Officer Development Programme (JODP), the JOD 3 course, is nearing completion of it s design phase. Development by the RAFD at JSCSC has been rapid and the course is on-track to be delivered by the target date of Dec 11. The 1 week residential element with associated e-learning will build upon the professional development achieved during JOD1 and JOD2 while continuing to challenge students and ultimately deliver an officer with generic military skills significantly stronger and broader than those seen before. Work on the Senior Officer Study Programme (SOSP) has forged ahead with close cooperation between the Air Warfare Centre Cranwell, GETC and Kings College London. The mandatory 6 month programme, consisting of a 4 month pre-course e-learning module, a 2 week residential phase and post-course with a reflection with a 4000 word essay, will build on ICSC (A), placing importance on the development of critical thought, intellectual dexterity and the ability to influence strategic decision makers. The course will be aimed at non-ast Wg Cdrs and senior Sqn Ldrs. Following the mandatory Service element, the SOSP will also provide the opportunity to progress to a full elective Masters degree programme credit towards which will also be awarded on the basis of experience and generic courses previously undertaken. Expressions of interest have already been received from several universities. SOSP graduates will fund the MA via enhanced learning credits or personal contributions. More details on this exciting initiative will be included in subsequent GETC newsletters, but give us a call if you have any questions. Cessation of JOD(L) courses and alternative arrangements for legacy cohort officers The pattern of generic PMD(A) for officers involves identification into different cohorts; legacy cohort Junior Officers (JOs) are those commissioned before July 2006 (graduates of the old IOT course); new cohort JOs are those commissioned from July New cohort JOs are mandated to engage with the Junior Officer Development Programme (JODP); for legacy cohort JOs the Junior Officer Command Course (JOCC) was replaced by a transitional Junior Officer Development (Legacy) (JOD(L)) course. JOD(L) cses have now finished and arrangements have been made for those legacy cohort JOs who have yet to complete JOCC or JOD(L) to undertake JOD2 alongside their new cohort colleagues.

12 Legacy cohort JOs are not mandated to complete residential PMD(A) courses. However, successful completion of the JOCC, JOD(L) or JOD2 plus Individual Staff Studies Course (ISSC) or Tutor-assessed Effective Writing Exercise (TEWE) remains a pre-requisite for substantive promotion to Sqn Ldr. A flow diagram for routes to qualification for promotion is below right: Legacy cohort JOs who have yet to achieve qualification for substantive promotion and wish to undertake this valuable education to increase their air power and leadership knowledge thereby making themselves more effective as JOs should contact Lucinda Grey at the RAF Division, JSCSC, on Ext 8204, or by to lgrey.serco@defenceacademy.mod.uk to book a place on JOD2.

13 Force Development & Adventurous Training Wing FD Strategy Paper As some of you may have noticed from the title, huge changes have been happening in the world of Force Development, not least the rebrigading of FD with Adventurous Training staff from HQ 22 (trg) Gp to form the FD/AT Wg of the GETC under Wg Cdr Mark Smith. This move pre-empted recommendations from the strategy paper, Force Development: Developing and Maintaining Warfighter Spirit that was formally endorsed by the Air Force Board Standing Committee in Apr. The paper now ensures that we have a clear focus of how and what we will develop our people in, linked directly to the 8 core competencies of the GETR and making full use of the critical connections of FD, AT and indeed sport. As well as greater linkage between the key multipliers to FD, other key deliverables that the GETC will provide are: an FD curriculum of training objectives to direct increased centralised FD activity; measurable outputs, linked in part to the People Campaign Plan, to direct how much FD activity is undertaken and in what areas; and sharing of training resource and good practice across FDSs through the use of PMD(A) Online. The largest noticeable deliverable will be the development and execution of the centralised Eagles schemes, many of which will have started as this newsletter hits the streets. More detail on the Eagles can be found below, however in essence they aim to provide a blended learning opportunity, covering a range of GETR training objectives, but with AT at the core. As FD/AT policy develops and matures, there will be additional scope to develop the blended concept to hopefully encompass a wider range of activities as well as embracing the Whole Force Concept to include our civilian colleagues.

14 Centralised Eagles Schemes Calling notices have now gone out for the first tranche of the Eagles schemes, notably Ex EAGLES NEST, Ex RIVER EAGLE. Take up has been excellent and the schemes are filling up rapidly. The Eagles provide centralised delivery of FD/AT activity, with training objectives aligned to the GETR, thereby easing the burden on stns to organise and run their own, and taking advantage of economies of scale often through use of the FDTCs. Eagle Description Location Dates Booking NEST AT, leadership, followership Bavaria Jul-Sep FDTC(Fairbourne) RIVER Water activities, ethos, L ship Danesfield Jul-Aug FDAT Wg GETC SNOW Ski touring, robustness Bavaria Jan-Apr FDTC(Crickhowell) ALPINE Downhill skiing, robustness Bavaria Jan-Apr FDTC(Crickhowell) NORDIC Ski touring, robustness Sweden Mar-Apr FDTC(Grantown) ECOSSE FD/AT activities FDTC(G) All year FDTC(Grantown) CYMRU FD/AT activities FDTC(C) All year FDTC(Crickhowell) SEA Sea Kayaking, robustness Sweden TBC FDTC(Crickhowell)

15 Staff Rides Staff Rides remain as a key Force Development tool, although geographical limitations remain in place along with a travel cap of 50 per head. GETC still offset some of the costs for approved Staff Rides upon receipt of the Post Exercise Report the current rate of subsidy is 50% of the T&S elements (museum entry fees, etc, remain as a cost to stns). However, it should be noted that all proposed Staff Rides need to be approved by GETC, regardless of whether a central subsidy is applied for or not. For further advice and guidance regarding either organising or funding a Staff Ride, please contact Sqn Ldr Russ Heath ( ) or Heather Wootton ( ) or visit the GETC Website. Ethos, Core Values & Standards, and Heritage Anthology Ethos, Core Values & Standards and Heritage are words often used but seldom considered indeed, they can mean completely different things to different people and, to some, the distinctions are seen as blurred or the phrases are almost interchangeable. A short anthology was therefore compiled in 2009 and circulated by to FDSs: the aim was not to provide definitive answers but to complement the Beliefs, Values & Principles (BVP) training objectives, stimulate debate and improve understanding. The original document is still accessible through the GETC Website (via the Ethos & Heritage tab) and an update and reissue is planned for later this year. Learning from history and applying to today & the future

16 Human Factors (HF) Training Since the publication of Charles Haddon-Cave s report into the loss of Nimrod XV230 in 2006, Military aviation has entered into a programme of considerable organisational and cultural change in the management of Air Safety. He reported in Oct 09, making some 84 recommendations including, specifically, the formation of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA). The Secretary of State directed that, where legislation exists, the MOD is to be as good as or better than our civilian counterparts. Furthermore, ongoing analysis of RAF aircraft accident reports continues to demonstrate that human factors (HF) are a primary cause in the vast majority of accidents. Both of these provide sound reason why more emphasis is required on HF training. The MAA mandate in JSP 551 Vol 1 that Commands are to ensure that the appropriate level of HF knowledge and awareness training is provided to relevant personnel. Further guidance with regard to the RAF HF training policy can be found in AP3207. Since 2009, a number of letters have been distributed by the Inspectorate of Flight Safety (IFS) with regard to the implementation of HF training. Recently it has become evident that there has been some miscommunication and a number of stns may have not been carrying out the necessary training. The RAF HF policy is available on the RAF FS website. The policy provides direction on the HF training requirement. Further direction for OC FDSs will be included in AP3379 in due course. OC FDS is tasked with the administration of the training; the delivery of the training fall to the SFSO and trained facilitators. RAF FS have advised a number of OC FDs to create HF committees on stn to assist them with this training task. Both RAF Waddington and RAF Brize Norton have been extremely pro-active in their implementation of the training and I am sure they would be willing to share their experiences. For further information, please contact Flt Lt Jo Johnson, SO3 Trg, RAF FS,

17 Miscellaneous The RAF Clay Pigeon Association Championships took place at Doveridge Shooting Ground in Derbyshire, and the Nottingham Gun Club in Oxton over May The championships is for all levels of clay shooters, from Novices to full Inter-Service Team members. The competition is streamed into three classes, A, B and C which allows competitors to shoot amongst others of the similar standard. The competition comprised 100 birds (clays) in each of the main disciplines: Skeet, Automatic ball Trap, Down the Line and Sporting. Sqn Ldr Paul Scott (GETC SO2 Requirements) was part of the three-man RAF Cranwell Team and, as a first-time competitor at the Championships, shot in the C class. Paul won the Automatic ball Trap, was second in Sporting and was the overall High Gun in C Class which was a good result for a first competition RAF Cranwell were 5th overall. Anyone can participate and indeed new members are warmly welcomed into this exciting and enjoyable sport. For further information, see the RAFCPSA Website: Fairbourne Annual Race the Train (F.A.R.T) The Fairbourne Annual Race the Train is in its 6th year raising money for worthy causes in the locality. The concept is straight forward; it is a road running race of 4 km verses the village s narrow gauge steam locomotive to its furthest stop and then back again, with all the competitors in fancy dress! The start of the race! In true PTI fashion all in sundry encountered an Exercise to Music warm-up to kick the event off run by Cpl s Morris and Spence. No sooner had the competitors lined

18 up OC GETC, Gp Capt Sagar, stepped forth to start the race, and a little bit of history begins to be etched into this quiet corner of Wales. It was quite a sight to behold as superheroes are passed by men in dresses, whilst lycra clad runners nudge past fake moustached and curly wigged folk. The first person across the line stealing the plaudits and signing his name indelibly into the record books is Off Cdt Joe Munro who finishes in a time of 16 min 11 Secs, clearly chuffed with defeating the both the train and his fellow competitors. The first of the under 16 runners was Ethan Rodgers with a time of 9 min 30 Sec much to the delight of the spectators and officials alike, well done. Our female victor was Plt Off Abi Bagshaw. The first under 16 girls who finish arrived hand in hand, were Megan Griffiths and Myer Reese. A staggering 871 was raised on the day before sponsorship money was collected so thanks to everyone who donated! Thanks to Cpl s Williams and Smith for organising the event, to 203Sqn SARTU and crew of Sqn Ldr Taylor and his crew Flt Lt Ewer, Flt Lt Wright and Sgt Mc Dowell for doing an exercise in the foot hills over-looking the village and Gp Capt Sagar for starting the race. Further thanks go to SAC Clarke of RAF Cosford for capturing the event on film, and all those who took part in raising money for Friog Primary School. Gp Capt Sagar with the victor Off Cdt Munro