The aim of the course is to provide individuals with the overarching knowledge and outline understanding needed to prepare them for their first role with within Capability and Acquisition.

The Capability and Acquisition (CAPAC) Awareness Course develops knowledge and understanding and sets the conditions for further progression through the Practitioner Courses, each with a focus on particular aspects of CAPAC (Planning, Delivering and In-Service Management). 

The Awareness Course is a 5-day Residential Course delivered at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.  It is designed to provide an easily digestible introduction to CAPAC Principles and Processes covering all aspects of the subject (from Planning Capability, Delivering Projects, to Generate Capability on the Front Line). 

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 13 - 17 May 2024
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£1,925 Concessions available

Course structure

As such the course approach is centred on building a practical understanding of the terminology and underlying principles via contextualised examples, analogies and case studies. This understanding is then reinforced through practical exercises and examples (including a visit on site to look at actual systems and draw lessons from real life acquisition projects).  Above all, the course is designed on the principle that whilst you can learn from the instructors, you can also learn much from each other and discussions in and around the lecture theatre.

What you will learn

By the end of the course you will be able to understand and interpret the following:

Components of capability Basic contracting
Defence operational model Project delivery
Strategic / Defence force development Enablers (DE&S, Defence Digital, DIO, DSTL)
Stakeholder management Risk and issues management
Role of defence industry Approvals
Finance User and system requirements
Capability based planning System and capability acceptance
Annual budget cycle Sustaining capability through life

Who should attend

The course is therefore ideally suited to individuals who are new to Capability, about to take up  a Capability Management and/or Acquisition post or those simply wishing to gain a better understanding of the language and processes used in Capability and Acquisition Management.  

Speakers

  • Andrew Farmer

Concessions

This course is free to MoD personnel. Non-MoD personnel are welcome to apply and are subject to the specified cost.

Before you attend, please read ‘Fundamentals on the DLE’ which can be found on the DLE at https://dle.ice.mod.gov.uk/course/view.php?id=23664.

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.