§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-operational academic lessons are given in training to officers in all branches of the armed forces; what(a) history, (b) military history and (c) political lessons are provided; what links there are to civilian educational establishments; and if he will make a statement on the value of such education to professional soldiers. [115161]
§ Dr. MoonieThe training and education provided to military officers is designed to underpin operational capability and to develop a skills base for our people. The courses in the areas raised vary across the three Services. I will write to my hon. Friend with details of the courses available and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made to teach naval history to Royal Navy(a) officers and (b) crew; whether visits to historical naval sites are made available; and if he will make a statement on the purpose of teaching British naval history to the Royal Navy. [115163]
§ Dr. MoonieThe teaching of naval history is an integral element of initial and through-career training and education of RN officers. Specific teaching is delivered at Britannia Royal Naval College (itself a significant historical site) for new entry RN officers and at the Commando Training Centre for Royal Marine officers. At key points of an officers career further naval history is taught.
Naval ratings receive, as part of their initial training, periods of instruction under the title of Naval General Training which is fundamental to the inculcation of the naval ethos and includes defence and political studies. Royal Marine other ranks receive lessons in naval history and amphibious operations.
Visits are undertaken routinely to the historic dockyard at Portsmouth housing the Royal Naval Museum, HMS Victory, Warrior and the Mary Rose, as well as to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.
287WNaval history thus continues to form a key part of naval thinking and ethos. In addition to engendering a sense of esprit de corps, tradition and a pride in past achievements among those serving in the Royal Navy, current debates on the future role of maritime forces are being informed by Naval Historical Branch staff. The Ministry of Defence also contributes some £2.6 million per annum towards the running costs of the Royal Naval, Royal Marines, Submarine and Fleet Air Arm Museums.