Page 21 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”1
The Barbican in London was the venue for a unique occasion on 21 January 2014. King’s College London held its Class of 2014 Graduation, which in itself was not unusual. What was distinctive about the ceremony was that it included two QARANC Officers who were the first within the Corps to Graduate from the War Studies Dept with a Masters Degree in “War in the Modern World”. Col David McArthur OBE2 and Maj Martin Tippett3 both graduated at the same ceremony having submitted their final dissertations in 2013. Despite both of them deploying during the course; filling busy appointments and maintaining a semblance of family life they successfully completed their studies.
King’s “Service centric” approach means that they have a thorough understanding of the demands of a Military career and their support and flexible approach reflects this.
The course is an entirely web-delivered graduate degree programme that is available twenty-four hours and can be studied anywhere in the world when connected to the internet. It is innovative and academically rigorous, the programme is taught by King’s College London staff. The topics covered are selected by the individual students from a wide range of options, which allows the degree to be tailored to the needs of the student. According to David, “The hard slog and late nights have all been worth it. The opportunity to study the genesis of current Military issues and to engage in debate with other students across the international community has had a real impact on how I look at the UK’s Foreign Policy decisions. As a Reservist with part of my commitment involving Liaison with Scottish Government the course content and learning experience has allowed me to adopt a much broader perspective than previously. It was refreshing to study in an environment, which did not have a primarily clinical focus but where my clinical background contributed depth to the topics. ”
Martin holds similar views, “In light of the hectic life the forces have endured over the last thirteen years this was never going to be easy. However after five years, one overseas posting two operational tours and multiple exercises both at home and overseas, I successfully completed the course. Although the course is not set within a medical theme, the knowledge and understanding of how medical aspects can
impact the wider political and strategic considerations, has been very insightful. I consider myself now, to have a better understanding on why conflicts over the last seventy years have occurred, their nuances and the issues that society is facing today in the changing nature of conflict. My overall feeling of the course is ‘thank the lord it is over’ however I have really enjoyed the interaction with a myriad of people across all walks of life, not necessarily connected to or in the military.”
Well done to both of our colleagues for their achievement which is even more remarkable given the demanding roles, which they both have. If you are interested in finding out more about War in the Modern World contact either Martin or Col David for advice.
THE GAZETTE QARANC 19
Regular and Reserve graduate together
1 2
Lao Zi, Tao Te Ching Ch 64, (c 604 bc - c 531 bc)
Col McArthur is currently DComd (North) 2nd Medical Brigade and Military Medical Liaison Officer to Scottish Government.
3
Maj Tippett is currently SO2 Med Pol HQ SGD.