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THE BATTLESPACE TECHNOLOGY COURSE
In the long and illustrious history of this publication, I would wager that a non-graduate Officer has never been requested to pen an article on technical education. I can only imagine that the editor either needed some filler, or he sees the considerable value to MOD and NATO to be had by SCOTS DG Officers receiving technical education. Never short on confidence, I have decided the latter to be the case and so aim to inform those considering life after Regimental duty of an opportunity they may not have heard about.
The Battlespace Technology Course (BTC) has been run in its current form since 2006 and offers newly promoted Majors a post-graduate diploma (PGDip) in the ‘stuff ’ that contributes to the land component. This can be upgraded to a MSc on the submission of a research project within three years of course completion. Hosted at the Defence College for Military Capability Integration (DCMCI) in Shrivenham the course is nine months long, running from April to December each year. On completion, participants start ICSC(L) the following January. BTC is split into shorter modules but largely follows a three-block format of introduction, depth stream and capability integration. The whole group completes an introduction with some basics of all capabilities and project management. The depth streams then separate and do a deeper dive into their chosen area, forming the bulk of the course. Finally, the course reunites and spends the last six weeks on capability integration; combining all the new knowledge in a final group project which serves to join up all aspects of the previous modules. As far as depth streams are concerned, there are three options. There is Battlespace Manoeuvre (BM) - tanks, missiles, guns, body armour etc. It’s the natural choice for a Cavalry chap and is affectionately known as the mud munchers’ course. Alternatively, there is the Information Manoeuvre (IM) stream. Here the Royal Signals and other war gaming enthusiasts discuss wiggly amps and propagation. Lastly, there is a Modelling and Simulation (Mod and Sim) stream which is for those who know not the warmth of a woman. There is a steady cadence of coursework throughout which ranges from essays and technical reports to group projects and presentations. No previous experience or evening study is required to achieve respectable marks.
BTC is the foundational education for job roles in the Capability and Acquisition (Cap and Ac) career stream. Jobs in this stream are only open to BTC graduates and it is not possible to do it later in one’s career, making
it a popular choice for Officers who may wish to open additional avenues for onward promotion (Stewart, 2022). The unscrupulous motivations don’t stop there, the course is also a brilliant insight into the Defence industry. Field trips to Thales, RBSL, DSEI, and Elbit are some of the highlights, but more generally there is a ton to learn that can be cross decked to your next career should you chose to have one. While in green, jobs in Cap and Ac are primarily in one of four organisations: Army HQ (Andover), DE&S (Abbey Wood), MOD (London) or DSTL (Porton Down & Portdown West). The work is wide ranging, from working with scientists on emerging technologies, to requirements setting and through life support. The course and the career field is dominated by the REME and Royal Signals for whom it is so popular they run a pre-board. There are jobs that need those types, with deep and very boring KSE, but in my view we need more candidates from the teeth arms. For the most part, the Army buys kit for fighting with and to be an intelligent customer we need more relevant user experience right from the start. Whether considering a short spell in Cap and Ac, or returning for more later down the line, it is a fascinating and rewarding career stream to be in. There are very few SO2s empowered to make decisions about real, physical things that will last long after you move on and could be in service for decades (and decades, and decades...).
To bag your place on the hottest educational opportunity to avoid a funding cut, follow this simple guide. Firstly, speak to your 1 and 2 RO about getting it in your reports from now, this really does make all the difference later down the line when crafting a PPP. Secondly, on promotion to Major, communicate your interest to the RAC desk officer who will guide you through the next two stages. The next step is slightly more difficult if you do not have a technical degree but that should not put you off. A short proof of suitability with educational background must be provided to Cranfield University to ensure you will be able to complete the course. Lastly, you will be invited to run to the Cap and Ac jobs board in the January and so a PPP will be submitted rapidly after Christmas leave. Success on the board will result in your BTC place being confirmed and your enrolment starts there. Should you have any questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Other recent SCOTS DG alumni include Majors Will Brazier, Alex Stewart, Barlie Chadford and (Retd) Ali Maclaurin who all eagerly await your call.
Maj Jack Blackhall
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