Captain Jolyon Woodard has been running BRNC for 18 months. He says the Navy is constantly changing and having to adapt to the complex threats and challenges that have appeared in the world in the past 10 years, “pirates and terrorism for instance.” Then there are the ever-decreasing budgets and lower fleet numbers. But he says some things remain steadfast: “our purpose, our resolute dedication and commitment to the people in the Navy – without whom we wouldn’t be able to function.”
When it comes to the training methods Jol says the approach has changed over the years and is very different to that even of 10 years ago. “The strict ‘blanket technique’ of teaching has been cast out in favour of a more individual approach where we try and understand the needs of each cadet. This gets better results as we can work more closely with the young men and women adapting teaching methods if necessary.” He says visiting officers who trained here in the 80s or 90s would notice a big difference in the classroom.
Lord High Admiral’s Divisions takes place at BRNC
Jol believes the College has become more diverse and inclusive over the past few years with people from more varied backgrounds coming to train in Dartmouth. The type of courses on offer is also expanding with Royal Naval Reservists and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries on site. The auxiliaries are civil servants who man the ships that provide the fleet with vital supplies. “Our international dimension is growing as well – over the past three years we have trained cadets from 44 countries, and I suspect total countries trained numbers around 50. That means hundreds of foreign cadets have left here ready to serve their country’s Navy. These growing links with other countries are crucial.”
Since 2008 the College has been home to the headquarters for the Royal Naval Leadership Academy. It means senior sailors and officers at all levels across the RN attend courses run by BRNC to further develop and prepare them for promotion. Jol says it’s great for the College as it gives them another focus and it provides a chance for the young cadets to meet and learn from naval personnel at varying stages of their career.
He is also keen to point out that on a practical teaching level the time cadets spend at sea during their initial training has recently increased. It is now back up to six weeks. “Four years ago it dropped due to low fleet numbers. But the need for this vital early training sea exposure never decreased so I am thrilled that it has now been raised again. Only last month three coach loads of cadets left here bound for HMS Ocean and HMS Albion.”
The College has always employed a large number of local staff and enjoys supporting the community in Dartmouth, and Jol says there are no plans to change any of that. “We have employees up here who have been with us for over 20 years – some approaching 40. Many of them just walk to work, which is great. We feel part of the community and depend utterly on our wonderful workforce whether they are porters, cleaners, caterers or other members of the vital support network.” Over the past 10 years they have sent cadets into town to help with various community projects from rebuilding walls to digging up trees and Jol is eager to accept similar challenges in the future.
In terms of College traditions – they are the same now as they were back in 1863. Everyone has to salute or come to attention when they enter the quarter deck (main hall), cadets in their first stage of training have to march through the corridors. You are only allowed through the main doors when you have finished your training on the day of your passing out parade, and of course – no running in the corridors!
Looking ahead and with the future of the College secure, Jol says there are a range of plans afoot to update the building. “To the naked eye the College hasn’t changed dramatically in the past 10 years and I don’t think it ever will. Why mess around with a magnificent building that’s over 100 years old. But we are always making small improvements and providing much needed TLC.” There is a new estate development plan mapping out short, medium and long term projects. It includes updating the accommodation and they have recently had planning permission to create a new purpose-built gym which will open for business in October 2019. Cadets are currently using a building that was designed as a railway shed in the 50s!
After the first stage of building work, attention will shift to the water. “The River Dart is the lifeblood of the College and one of our continuing aims is to get the cadets to spend more time on it. In 2021 we will be issued with a brand new fleet of vessels to replace the famous blue picket boats. These will be 15-metre-long twin waterjet boats which will really improve our operations on the water. I hope all these investments in our future will show the outside world that we are committed to keeping the College here. We aim to improve continually and equip our cadets with all the skills and knowledge they need to go out and serve their country. BRNC will remain a national beacon on the South Devon skyline for generations to come.”
First published in By The Dart magazine March 2018
