A University of Portsmouth Senior teaching fellow has been promoted to Colonel in the Army Reserve and joins the British Army General Staff
A University of Portsmouth Senior teaching fellow has been promoted to Colonel in the Army Reserve and joins the British Army General Staff.
Mr. Rob Spalton, part of the Portsmouth Military Education Team (PMET) based at RAF College Cranwell, has been with the university since 2014. His promotion to Colonel means he will soon serve as Assistant Head Strategy (Reserves) within Army Headquarters, based in Andover.
Rob’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and expertise, both in his military and academic careers. He has been balancing his part time role at the University of Portsmouth with his distinguished military service for nearly a decade, and his promotion marks a significant milestone in his 25-year army career.
Having served 16 years on full-time duty before transitioning to the Reserves, Rob joined the University of Portsmouth while continuing his military service. As an officer in the Mercian Regiment, he has held various leadership roles, including Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion from 2020-2023. His operational experience spans Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Sierra Leone.
Working in the University team at Cranwell gives me the best of both worlds; there is plenty of opportunity to be suitably bookish but my Reserve service allows me to still be a soldier at heart. The two roles are unsurprisingly synergistic.
Reflecting on his career path, Rob said: “At school, I was academically focused but always wanted to serve in the military. While studying geography at Oxford, I joined the Officer Training Corps and discovered a love for military life. Transitioning to the Reserves after 16 years of full-time service provided stability for my family while allowing me to continue serving. Working in the University team at Cranwell gives me the best of both worlds; there is plenty of opportunity to be suitably bookish but my Reserve service allows me to still be a soldier at heart. The two roles are unsurprisingly synergistic."
Rob’s dual career has developed at the University of Portsmouth, where the link between academia and military service has allowed him to bring unique insights into the classroom. His expertise in military philosophy, combined with his on-the-ground experience, has enriched the educational experience for students. Rob says: "Teaching 19th Century Prussian military philosophy becomes even more engaging when I can share real-world stories from my time in Afghanistan."
His promotion is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the University of Portsmouth’s commitment to fostering deep expertise within its military education team. Rob’s ability to thrive in both academia and the Reserves highlights the supportive environment provided by the university, which has long been an advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment ensures that those who serve in the Reserves are given the flexibility and support needed to excel in both their civilian and military careers.
Dr Tom Smith, Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Portsmouth, says: "We are immensely proud of Rob's success. His promotion reflects his extraordinary leadership and dedication. His Reserve service brings invaluable perspectives to our team and strengthens our relationship with RAF Cranwell and the military community as a whole."
Rob’s new role as Assistant Head Strategy (Reserves) will see him working on long-term planning for the Army, with a particular focus on issues related to the Reserves. His unique blend of academic and military experience will be vital in shaping the Army’s future strategies.