The Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
The Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) is a university sponsorship programme for students to educate and develop selected individuals in order to prepare them for further training and careers as engineer or technical officers in the Armed Forces or as graduate entrants to the MOD Civil Service.
DTUS students are able to choose the partner university they wish to study at and select a degree course that has been approved by their sponsoring service. Whilst at their partner university, all students belong to a support unit who are responsible for their leadership development, mentorship and administration. They also closely monitor academic progress. To that end the Commanding Officer of each support unit has visiting lecturer status at their university to support this. There are 4 support units throughout the UK:
Trojan Squadron
Based in Newcastle. Supports students at Newcastle University and Northumbria University.
Thunderer Squadron
Based in Southampton. Supports students at the University of Southampton.
Taurus Squadron
Based in Birmingham. Supports students at Aston University and the University of Birmingham. It also administers students at the University of Oxford.
Typhoon Squadron
Based in Loughborough. Supports students at Loughborough University. It also administers students at Cambridge University.
Each support unit is commanded by the same equivalent rank from each Service; Taurus and Trojan Squadrons – Lieutenant Colonel, Thunderer Squadron – Commander RN and Typhoon Squadron – Wing Commander. There are a Royal Navy Lieutenant, an Army Captain and a Royal Air Force Flight Lieutenant working as Training Officers in each Squadron.
Additionally at each Squadron there is a SNCO from the same service as the Commanding Officer and a civilian Administrator. Assisting at each Squadron are In-Service Degree Officers who are Army Commissioned Officers reading for a degree at the partner university.
Trojan Squadron