COMEC
When the War Office established University Officers Training Corps as part of the Haldane Reforms of 1908, it was agreed that any university wishing to furnish an OTC must have a Committee of Military Education appointed by that university. Since that date, Military Education Committees (MECs) – or committees with comparable functions but different names – have extended their remit to include the oversight of units of all three Services within their universities. These now comprise: University Royal Naval Units (URNUs), University Officers Training Corps (UOTCs), and University Air Squadrons (UASs). MECs are presently extending their scope to cover the new tri-service units established under the Defence Training Undergraduate Scheme (DTUSs).
In September 1919, ‘The Central Organisation of Military Education Committees of the Universities of the United Kingdom’ was established following a conference of representatives drawn from the MECs. This organisation exists today as the Council of Military Education Committees (COMEC). The major function of COMEC is to serve as a single point of contact to represent the views of MECs to the MOD and as a channel of information between the universities and the MOD.
During my time as CO MSUOTC (1996-1999) the commanding officers of the URNU, OTC and UAS in Manchester produced written annual reports for their MEC then met with the committee to answer questions. My experience of the MEC in Manchester was always positive and supportive and they were always keen to have a Territorial commanding officer whenever possible. for their OTC. The Manchester MEC chairman at this time was Dr Roger Dye.
The Manchester Defence Dining Club
In 1992, on the initiation of Lt Col Ian Walton, CO of MSUOTC, and agreement of Norman Lloyd,the then chairman of Manchester MEC, a Defence Dining Club was established. A successful event was held including reception, presentation from a senior military figure and followed by an excellent, silver service dinner. The dinner became a biannual gathering with each successive event adding further embellishments including music. The purpose was to bring together staff from the four universities of Greater Manchester, regular and reserve forces and interested people from the Manchester area.The speakers were found by the COs of the three service contingents in turn and the events were hosted by the then four universities and University Barracks in turn. During my period in command I was fortunate to secure the presence of Professor Brigadier Richard Holmes which made for an enlightening and entertaining evening.