I was privileged to attend Shrivenham Defence Academy to attend a course at the Joint Services Command and Staff College recently, as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.

I am spending time with the British Army this year, having in previous years completed the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy schemes, and graduated from the Royal College Of Defence Studies.

The idea is that we give a little time to get a bit closer to service life, see things from the point of view of those who serve in our armed forces, to ensure that we are better informed when taking part in defence debates in Parliament. It's hugely informative, very worthwhile, and a superb accompaniment to my membership of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.