UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) worked in a collaborative partnership with industry and the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) to deliver evidence to underpin Programme PORTAL. The RAF is moving its provision of training for Airmen to a new site, which currently accommodates elements of its Officer training. Programme PORTAL provides a once in a generation opportunity to transform the way the RAF delivers elements of its Professional Military Education, in particular Phase 1 basic training to Airmen and Officer recruits. In thinking beyond technology and pedagogy, the research included an investigation of cultural impact on educational design to feed into a new campus. A number of innovative options were put forward on how to deliver future RAF training, including a cultural shift which could harness the potential of increased interactions between Airmen and Officers in the training environment. The research was able to capture feedback and provide a narrative from a range of stakeholders ranging from current cadets to 2* decision makers on options relating to formal interactions (such as, training serials and facilities), informal interactions (e.g. accommodation, messing and social) and interactions between learners and staff. This research delivered the requisite evidence to inform the development, approval and ratification of a range of ideas (such as integrating sports, welfare and staff facilities) and their associated benefits whilst maintaining a focus on the provision of world-leading training and mitigating potential risks through concepts such as safe-space to learn. This research supports the RAF 100 vision of an enabled and inclusive Force. Through encouraging creative thinking, which challenged cultural norms, we have provided decision makers with the ability to fully consider integrated training; equipping the next generation workforce to innovate, think differently and challenge the status quo.
Education
A Once in a Generation Opportunity to Transform RAF Training
14 views