Defence Fire Training Unit welcomes the RAF’s Air and Space Commander and Director Support

The Defence Fire Training Unit (DFTU) at Capita’s Fire Service College welcomed the new to post Air and Space Commander, Air Marshal Allan Marshall along with Air Vice Marshal Shaun Harris, Director Support (RAF), for a tour of the site and to showcase the technology used to train Defence firefighters.

The Defence Fire Training Unit is a joint venture between Capita Fire and Rescue (CFR), the Fire Service College and the RAF. It trains RAF, Capita Fire and Rescue and Defence firefighters at the college’s campus in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire.

AM Marshall and AVM Harris met the unit’s trainers and trainee firefighters and were also given a demonstration of the virtual reality headsets used to augment the trainees’ practical training with immersive learning scenarios.

The visit included a tour of the college’s incident ground and training facilities which enable Defence firefighters to train in a realistic environment in preparation for the demands of the role – protecting and enabling the military to operate in the UK and overseas.

AM Marshall and AVM Harris were welcomed by David Hook, MD of Capita’s Defence, Learning, Fire and Security, and Hume Jones, MD of Capita Fire and Rescue.

The DFTU is a critical part of the Defence Fire and Rescue Project, delivered by Capita Fire and Rescue, and providing Defence with a high performing mission-critical service which enables the military to operate in the UK, overseas and on operations.

Hume added: “The success of the Defence Fire Training Unit is the result of effective partnership working between Capita Fire and Rescue, the Fire Service College and the RAF.

“Harnessing the combined expertise and utilising the first-class facilities at the college, the DFTU equips firefighters with the skills needed to be part of a professional and highly-skilled fire and rescue service. This, in turn, ensures the safety of MOD personnel and critical assets and enables Defence to operate safely in the UK, overseas and on exercises.

“Since the transfer of training to the DFTU in December 2019, more than 5,000 Defence firefighters have been trained by the unit’s excellent and dedicated instructors.”

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