Page 55 - The Cormorant 2018
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 the Dinner, and it was quite chilly outside, so one of those ‘hardened Commandos’ – Guy Balmer – helpfully advised everyone to wrap-up warm and wear sensible shoes!
Sadly, the Commando Display Team was unable to get to JSCSC due to the weather, so the evening commenced with an impressive showcasing of the Royal Marines Band (Portsmouth). Embarrassing questions – such as
how snow could possibly cause
the cancellation of a small band of determined arctic specialists? – were, thankfully, drowned out by the spectacle of the Band playing, utterly unaffected by the weather. Many of the guests were unable to attend due to the worst snow of the year, including our Guest of
Honour: Major General Charlie Stickland OBE, Commandant General Royal Marines. While this sudden reduction
in Dinner attendance was a slight issue to those organising it – particularly for Colonel Rob Forster who, impressively, ‘stepped in’ to give the Keynote
Speech at two hours’ notice – most people decided that the ‘free booze’ to person ratio had improved dramatically! It certainly made for an even more hoofing dinner, including an impressive intermission speech by triple-amputee Captain (Retd) Jon White RM.
The evening concluded with some spectacularly average dancing in the Henderson bar and, for some, a quick ‘rig change’ into fancy dress. There was even talk of a dip in the Academy pond...
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      Perspective from Ukraine Major Semen Konoriev
PARTICIPATION IN THE ADVANCED Command and Staff Course is a great opportunity for Ukrainian officers. The selection process is very challenging, with only a single officer chosen from a significant number. The main selection criteria are: proficiency in the
English language; combat experience; and overall intelligence. In my opinion, English language proficiency is one of the most essential factors, because studying in a second language is a very challenging endeavour. You need to have good
proficiency in all spheres: reading, writing, speaking and listening, because the course composition will require all these skills. The Ukrainian Embassy provides significant help for Ukrainian officers, and the ACSC administrators are also very thoughtful and are always willing to assist.
One of the most valuable advantages of ACSC is for my family to spend a year in the UK. My wife and children have had a great opportunity to get in touch with the UK’s culture, history and way-of-life. Studying in a UK school for my children is also an exceptional privilege as they can significantly improve their language skills and broaden their horizon.
The course itself, in spite of the rather challenging and demanding programme, is very thoroughly structured and conducted. The course programme includes both studying and entertainment events and, what I personally found very useful, is the travel to other countries, to engage with others and gain more experience. Overall, the course is exceptionally enjoyable and I am very proud to be a part of it!




















































































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