Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

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UK Defence Intelligence training and operational centre at Chicksands, Bedfordshire



Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC)
Type Military training and intelligence centre
Logo
Photo Chicksands organisational chart.jpg
Caption Organisational chart for Chicksands military base (released under FOI, 23 October 2008)
Founded
Location Chicksands, Bedfordshire, England
Command
Battles
Status
Headquarters
Area served
Military units
Operator Defence Intelligence
Website
Remarks
Organisational chart for Chicksands military base which houses the 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group and the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre and various other intelligence bodies including the Intelligence Corps and the Joint Services Intelligence Organisation. The chart was released under the Freedom of Information Act in on 23 October 2008

Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC), commonly known as Chicksands, is a major British military intelligence training and operational centre located in the village of Chicksands, Bedfordshire. The River Flit runs through the camp. It is the principal UK Defence Agency responsible for training all personnel in intelligence, security and information support disciplines.[1]

History

DISC was created on 1 October 1996 to integrate intelligence and security training into a single tri-service organisation. It is based at the former RAF Chicksands, which served as an RAF station during the Second World War and was used by the United States Air Force from 1950 until 1995. For much of the post-war period the Intelligence Corps was based at Templer Barracks before moving to Chicksands to co-locate with DISC.[2]

The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC), also known as MOD Chicksands, continues to exist. It was renamed the Joint Intelligence Training Group (JITG) on 1 January 2015 and is now officially known as the Defence Intelligence Training Group (DITG). It remains the United Kingdom's principal tri-service organisation for intelligence, security and information-support training and serves as the headquarters of the Intelligence Corps. In December 2025, DITG became a core component of the newly formed Military Intelligence Services (MIS) as part of a wider reorganisation of Defence Intelligence.[3]

Role

According to its 2005 annual report, DISC provides a full range of support functions to all units and lodger units, including the Directorate of the Intelligence Corps, 15 (UK) Psychological Operations Group and the Army Information Security Unit. It is also home to the Joint Services School of Intelligence.[4]

The centre trains Armed Forces and other intelligence agencies in intelligence and security disciplines, conduct after capture, and contributes advice on appropriate intelligence and security policy matters. In 1998/99 it employed an average of 484 staff with a net operating cost of £27 million.[5]




Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC), or Chicksands as it is more commonly known is located in the village of Chicksands in the English county of Bedfordshire. The River Flit runs through the camp. According to its Annual report and Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2005:

DISC provides a full range of support functions to all Units and Lodger Units including Directorate of the Intelligence Corps, 15 Psychological Operations Group and the Army Information Security Unit.[6]

It is also home to the Joint Services School of Intelligence. Chicksands was the site of RAF Chicksands, an RAF station during World War II. The station was used by the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1995.

Based at Templer Barracks, for much of the post War period, The Intelligence Corps 'has now moved into the 21st Century co-located with the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) at Chicksands. The DISC is the UK Defence Agency responsible for training all personnel training in intelligence, security and information support.'[7] Sections include: Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) and Weapons Intelligence Unit (WIU).[8]

According to Global Security:

The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC), based in Chicksands in Bedfordshire, was created on 1st October 1996 to integrate intelligence and security training into one tri-service organisation. DISC trains the Armed Forces and other intelligence agencies in intelligence and security disciplines, conduct after capture. It also contributes advice on appropriate intelligence and security policy matters, and maintains an operational capability. In 1998/99, it employed an average of 484 staff and its net operating cost was £27 million.[9]


Who is based at DISC?

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Government Departments which sent officials on courses run by the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre in 2004–05. [63393]
Mr. Ingram: The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre provides training primarily for the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence. In 2004–05, the following Government Departments sent officials on courses run by the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre:
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Home Office
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many US personnel are based at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre. [63455]
Mr. Ingram: There are two US personnel based at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre. [10]

Units based at DISC

Sections and units located at Chicksands include:

International and inter-departmental links

In 2004–05, officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office attended courses at DISC. As of April 2006, two US personnel were based at the centre.[11]

References and further reading

Resources

http://www.tes.co.uk/jobDetailsbronze.aspx?ac=2813747

Reading

Defence Intelligence and Security Centre annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005 No 0319 2005–06 7 February 2006, Published by The Stationery Office (TSO) ISBN 0102935483

Notes

  1. ↑ Defence Intelligence and Security Centre annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005, HC 0319, 7 February 2006.
  2. ↑ Ministry of Defence, Intelligence Corps History.
  3. ↑ Britain launches new Military Intelligence Services, UK Government, 12 December 2025.
  4. ↑ Defence Intelligence and Security Centre annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005.
  5. ↑ Global Security, DISC.
  6. ↑ Defence Intelligence and Security Centre annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005 No 0319 2005–06 7 February 2006, Published by The Stationery Office (TSO) ISBN 0102935483
  7. ↑ Ministry of Defence Intelligence Corps History, accessed 1 April 2008
  8. ↑ The Mechanisms of an Oppressive State UK INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY REPORT AUGUST 2003 Edited and compiled by Richard M. Bennett and Katie Bennett -AFI Research, Information Clearing House, accessed 1 April 2008
  9. ↑ Global Security DISC
  10. ↑ Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Written Answers, 20 Apr 2006 : Column 767W
  11. ↑ House of Commons Hansard, 20 April 2006, Column 767W.
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