SpyCast “British Defence Attaché, U.S.A.” – with Rear Admiral Tim Woods
Nov 21, 2023
Rear Admiral Tim Woods, British Defence Attaché to the United States, discusses the role of a defence attaché, the impact of intelligence on military strategy, his experience during the 2021 Russian invasion of Ukraine, constant surveillance, sacrificing personal privacy for national security, and the power of relationships and connections.
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Role of a Defense Attaché
- A defense attaché promotes their country's defense values and builds relationships with other nations' attachés.
- Their role involves understanding allies, partners, and foes to mitigate risks and maintain dialogue.
Encounter with Russian Attaché
- Rear Admiral Tim Woods encountered the Russian defense attaché at a reception, but the latter refused to speak after a brief acknowledgment.
- This illustrates the strained relationship between the two nations, even in diplomatic settings.
Chain of Command and Reporting
- The UK ambassador is in overall charge of the embassy, but Rear Admiral Woods is responsible for UK defense personnel in the US.
- While he reports to the ambassador, he also reports to the UK defense secretary and chief of defense staff.