Page 54 - Cormorant 2019

Operations and Defence Engagement – Regional Security Exercise 2
The Operations and Defence Engagement module – or Ways as it was previously known – featured some of the best RSE 2 trips on the course. Whilst the other modules visited
the relatively benign locations of the United States and Scandinavia, the Ops and DE module visited Nigeria, Brazil, Ukraine and Greece. Each destination provided a distinct perspective on global and local security challenges as well as a unique and fascinating insight into diverse national, cultural and linguistic considerations which underlined
the challenges, and relevance, of “doing DE”.
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Brazil
Wg Cdr Keith Slack
THE 26 ACSC STUDENTS selected to visit Brazil thought they had won the jackpot. RSE 2 in Brazil presented a great
opportunity to visit to one of the largest countries in the world, which has a unique geographic location, distinct international
perspective based on its lusophone connection, a number of deep-rooted internal security threats, enormous (and as yet unrealised) economic potential and an ambitious military modernisation programme. Brazil also has a historically close relationship with the UK and especially the Royal Navy, which the Brazilians still remember fondly for rescuing the Portuguese Royal Family from Napoleon.
The visit was split between Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, the cultural and the political hubs of Brazil. Both locations enhanced the team’s understanding of what the Deputy Ambassador described as a country that was “not for beginners”. The RSE began with a cultural visit to Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana beach, as well as experiencing the world famous Brazilian BBQ
and Caipirinha cocktails. Work soon followed, including meetings and briefs at the British Embassy, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cyber Defence Command, Itaguai Naval Base and
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the Superior Warfare School. The comprehensive tour through their impressive submarine production line was particularly noteworthy. Their openness during the briefings on cyber was also especially interesting. Furthermore, focus on their contributions to international peace operations in support of the UN, most of which are aligned to their national and lusophone interests, was also an enduring feature of the briefings.
Pervading the entire RSE was the theme of a country with a clear ambition to be a major economic,
The
comprehensive tour through
their impressive submarine production line was particularly noteworthy. ◆◆◆