Royal College of Defence Studies
The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) instructs the most promising senior officers of the British Armed Forces, His Majesty's Diplomatic Service and Civil Service in national defence and international security matters at the highest level, to prepare them for the top posts in their respective services. It forms part of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, and is its most senior and prestigious component. In addition, there are many overseas attendees, from countries who are close allies of the United Kingdom.
Former names
Imperial Defence College
"To prepare senior officers and officials of the United Kingdom and other countries and future leaders from the private and public sectors for high responsibilities in their respective organisations, by developing their analytical powers, knowledge of defence and international security, and strategic vision."
Senior Military College
1927
Constituent college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
Lieutenant General Sir George Norton
Urban
It was known as the Imperial Defence College from its foundation in 1927 until 1970.
History[edit]
In 1922, a cabinet committee under Winston Churchill, then Secretary of State for the Colonies, recommended the formation of the College.[1] The college was founded in 1927 as the Imperial Defence College and was located at 9 Buckingham Gate until 1939.[1] Its objective at that time was to instruct senior military officers in the defence of the British Empire.[1] In 1946, following the end of World War II, the college reopened at Seaford House, Belgrave Square and members of the United States Armed Forces started attending the course for the first time.[1]
It was renamed the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1970. In 2007 the Queen and Prince Philip visited the college.[1]