Recording: Defence Management Reform and the Strategic Defence Review

Dr Andrew Curtis OBE, RUSI Associate Fellow, discusses reforming the UK’s defence management, tackling critical issues highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review. His radical proposal for reorganising the UK military's senior management offers much to consider for future strategic direction, with the goal of equipping the UK’s military services with the tools necessary for strengthened resilience and agility.  

Drawing on his research, Andrew addresses the Ministry of Defence’s current management challenges, examining the impact of past reforms on today’s practices and exploring insights from other Western defence organisations. His book, We Need to Talk About Defence, has attracted positive comments from figures such as General Sir Richard Barrons, Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, and Professor Michael Clarke as a contribution providing a strong foundation for rethinking Defence’s organisational structure.