Feb 2013 Issue 57

desthe magazine for defenceider equipment and support

Quick on the draw – UK Forces take up the Glock

Latest DE&S organisation wallchart See inside

Messages to Island on Powering the Latest Skynet Hail the the front line the move future base blasts off ‘do better’ team 2 frontispiece

Special delivery

Delivery of mail provides a massive boost to those serving abroad – courtesy of British Forces Post Office. Crew members of Plymouth-based frigate HMS Northumberland are pictured dealing with 180 sacks of mail delivered to the ship while she was on a three-day visit to Muscat in Oman as part of patrolling duties in the Indian Ocean. o BFPO on the front line: pages 24, 25 des D Steve Moore [email protected] R [email protected] Dick Naughton © Crown Copyright desider [email protected] 7155 7379 (0)207 +44 Fax: 1819. 7657 (0)20 Tel: +44 EC1R 0NE London Lane, Anthon Linton Advertising Distribution Manager: Editor: Deputy R Public Head, Assistant expressed in in expressed Views omissions. or errors for accepted be can liability no accurate, is produced material all ensure to care inthose the While editor the takes defence industries. including MOD, the outside readers to available made be sponsor. and the can also equipment Copies capability relevant MOD project team before publication. before team project MOD relevant the by cleared be must advertorials for content All MOD. the or DE&S by endorsed necessarily not are advertised, Printing: Printing: alph Dunn E from well-managed forests. Stewardship Councilcertified material post consumer waste andForest cent recycled andde-inked pulpfrom Silk 90gsmwhichcontains 50per This magazineisproduced onCocoon [email protected] FEATURES 26 24 22 20 is distributed free of charge to DE&S employees employees DE&S to charge of free distributed is

The ‘dobetter’ team comes outontop Post office upsitsfront linegame Blast-off for thelatest Skynet Head andshoulders above therest the world more than40years andseenactiononoperations allover venerable Browning pistol whichhasbeeninservice for for theUKArmedForces. TheGlock willreplace the DE&S hasbought25,000Glock pistols asthenew sidearm save money andimprove fleetavailability submarines haslaunchedatransformation programme to of poundsequipmentfor Royal Navywarships and A DE&Sproject team whichmanageshundreds ofmillions introduced bytheBritishForces Post Office enhanced services thanksto new information systems being Men andwomen ontheAfghanistan front lineare enjoying put into orbitaspartofaPrivate Finance Initiative from French Guiana.Skynet5Disthefourth andlast to be communications satellites hasbeenlaunchedinto space The latest ofDE&S'groundbreaking secure military - 9352 30257 or 0117 9130257 0117 or 9130257 30257 -9352 - 9352 30537 or 0117 9130537 0117 or 9130537 30537 -9352 desider, – Ten Alps Media, 40 Bowling Green Green Bowling 40 Media, –Ten Alps ider - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 0117 or 9134342 34342 -9352 :

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19 17 15 12 10 8 6 4 NEWS

Falcon gives Forces secure comms UK andAustralia to share Type 26ideas Building asafe engineeringculture Production target isone-a-day Carrier buildingkeeps moving forward Scout clears anotherhurdle Brimstone: invaluable andpopular A better place to work journey from Portsmouth to Rosyth Combat Ship. Ship. Combat Global 26 Type the on work design mutual over co-operation at look to are Australia and UK The organisation the inside community and culture engineering professional and asafe building on focus will Technical Director new DE&S' production intheUK Lightning IIischangingthepace ofmilitary aircraft A new assembly lineinSamlesbury for theF-35 The forward islandandbridgeof completed vehicle for theBritishArmyhasbeensuccessfully Design review ontheplannedreconnaissance this summer the battlefield willbewithallUKmilitary unitsby Dedicated secure broadband communications for Afghanistan over on missile missions attack precision a using in have crews his confidence the of spoken has commander squadron RAF An Strategy Materiel the on progress latest the sessions hall town at staff to outlined has Gray Bernard Materiel Defence of Chief Elizabeth

hasbeenunveiled aheadofitsdelivery pistol whichhasseelong service withUKForces bought 25,000oftheGlock 17to replace theBrowning pistol atitspublicunveiling last month.DE&Shas Royal MarineSgtSteve Lord ispictured firingtheGlock cover image

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Picture: Andrew Linnett Insider february 2013 Bernard Gray

Chief of Defence Materiel A better place to work – that’s the DE&S future World class acquisition ‘My objective throughout this organisation is the aim process has been and continues of the future shape of to be making DE&S the best at DE&S what it does in the world’

Whichever option is chosen for the future of DE&S – a Government Owned I was very pleased to be have always championed and Contractor Operated body or the DE&S+ able to speak to several in which I am very pleased to proposal – it will make the organisation a hundred of you at town hall play a significant role. better place to work in, Chief of Defence sessions I held at Abbey Wood The development and Materiel Bernard Gray told hundreds of staff at town hall sessions at Abbey headquarters last month to success of an improved Wood. talk about progress on the MOD customer is of huge Mr Gray said 2013 would be an Materiel Strategy and on your importance to the long-term exciting year in DE&S and congratulated success in maintaining focus health of defence acquisition staff on maintaining their focus on on both delivering equipment and will be something that will delivering equipment valued at billions of and support to the front line, be of great interest to many of pounds to the Armed Forces. including crucial support you. He said: “Alongside all the important to current operations in challenges we face we are delivering As Senior Responsible substantial amounts of new equipment Afghanistan. Owner for the design and – two Astute class submarines are at Those of you who were able implementation of the end- sea and the fifth Type 45 destroyer to attend would have heard to-end acquisition process should enter service this year. Foxhound me explain that this will be an I chair the Acquisition is a success story with vehicles now exciting year to be in DE&S. Architecture Programme operational in Afghanistan and we have We face the daily challenges acquired an additional C-17 in record Board. Board members time.” of managing some of the include DCDS Mil Cap Air biggest and most complex The MOD now has a stable Marshal Stephen Hillier, DG programme for the first time in years, acquisition programmes in the Finance David Williams and obviating the rebalancing work that UK, the constant demands of DG T&CS Jonathan Slater. DE&S project teams formerly faced at this operations, the development Both the Materiel Strategy and time of year. Protected vehicles procured of important plans for the Customer Design programmes by DE&S under Urgent Operational Requirements were another success coming withdrawal of our report to this board and forces and equipment from story, saving the lives of UK service we have oversight of the personnel in Afghanistan. Afghanistan and continued continued development of work and progress on the their work. Materiel Strategy. Finally, returning to the We have finalised a Material Strategy, my objective business case which asks throughout this process for approval to launch an Assessment Phase to study has been and continues the options the Materiel to be making DE&S the Strategy team has refined and best at what it does in the developed over the past 18 world. I am confident that months of studies. whichever option for the Work is continuing on future development of this these options while we await organisation is taken, you will Ministers’ decisions on the be given more freedoms and way ahead. more skills to do your jobs. Alongside the Materiel This will make your work Strategy many of you may also more interesting, fulfilling and know that the Defence Board enjoyable and make DE&S a has directed that the MOD’s better place to come to work. customer capabilities should Your views about the work that be strengthened to match the we are doing remain important proposed improvements in and I hope you will find the DE&S. This is a significant part opportunity to participate of the overarching Defence in one of the many different Transformation programme channels and staff meetings and is a piece of work which I that are open to you. news 5 A better place to work – that’s the DE&S future

DE&S Director Materiel Strategy Barry Burton (centre) surrounded by team members at DE&S Abbey Wood headquarters after he congratulated them on their hard work and commitment following submission of the Initial Gate Business Case. He said: “I think it’s an amazing achievement to have got in such a short time to where we are now.”

Withdrawal from Afghanistan would systems and tools to get the job done, successful in getting the freedoms we be a big challenge for the future for more effective processes and greater want from the Civil Service with any DE&S, he said, and work was now under skills with better opportunities to other option,” he said. way to plan this enormous task. develop those skills. GOCO offered a number of Mr Gray explained that a Materiel Mr Gray was addressing town hall advantages, he added. The private sector Strategy Initial Gate Business Case had sessions at Abbey Wood on 15th January offered access to world class skills been submitted, with a Government where he outlined progress on the and tools because of the possibility of Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) Materiel Strategy and took questions higher reward; the profit motive made model and the DE&S+ model as options. from staff. incentivisation easier; it was insulated He said: “Change is always difficult “GOCO is the preferred option from short-term political objectives and the future is always a bit uncertain. because we think we will not be which led to greater autonomy; it But, subject to the was more responsive to approvals process, organisational change and had under any of the the freedom to recruit and train models we end up “I want the which helped create a strong with we will be in a management cadre to drive better place to work DE&S+ option to better performance. because we will have “This is a challenge to the less interference in be strong too, Civil Service structure,” Mr Gray performing our tasks. admitted. That will make DE&S so I can say to “But I want the DE&S+ option a very interesting private sector to be strong too, so I can say to place to work because the private sector contractors, ‘if everyone will be more contractors, ‘if you can’t beat this, then I am not empowered.” interested!’ His aim, he said, you can’t beat “We are producing the was to create a ‘world same outputs having reduced class acquisition this, then I am not the head count from 20,000 organisation’ with a to 17,000 in three years,” said more robust customer interested’!” Mr Gray. “That’s a pretty good interface, improved performance.” 6 news Our UK employees are proud to provide kit for Britain’s armed forces. We design, manufacture and maintain ghter jets, NEWSREEL armoured vehicles and naval vessels Brimstone – ‘invaluable including the Typhoon aircraft, Scimitar Herrick kit on light tanks and the Astute Class of the agenda submarine. But we’re prouder still of the Most of the military contribution and sacri ces made by our equipment being and popular with crews’ armed forces every day. Thank you. used by UK Forces in Afghanistan is likely to be brought home at the end of the current campaign. Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan told a defence debate in Parliament: New “The withdrawal of our equipment contract in Afghanistan is a big issue. We are in replaces negotiations with the Pakistanis and stocks hope we will be able to bring a great deal used on more back through the Pakistan land operations route than we are currently capable of doing. We expect to bring almost all our equipment out.” Brimstone, right, in an image by Addressing manufacturers MBDA and, above, the Scout beneath a Tornado being prepared for a mission over Libya in 2011 Prime contractor General Dynamics An RAF squadron commander sophisticated arsenal of UK has awarded Vitavox a contract has spoken of the confidence his precision strike weapons.” with a potential crews have in using the precision Wg Cdr Turk was value of £2.8 million attack missile Brimstone on speaking as a new £14 to design and supply missions over Afghanistan. million contract was the Scout Specialist Wg Cdr Andy Turk led initial unveiled to deliver and discussing their operations, Vehicle programme Tornado operations over Libya hundreds more of the weapon to Minister for Defence Equipment, with a secure public two years ago and now heads the RAF. Support and Technology, Philip address system. This will allow 9 Squadron in Afghanistan. Manufactured and Dunne, said: “Brimstone is an vehicle commanders “Brimstone is being used assembled at MBDA facilities extremely effective and reliable to speak to people to great effect by the RAF’s in Henlow, Bedfordshire, and weapons system for RAF crews outside the vehicle Tornado Force in Afghanistan Lostock, Bolton, the Dual Mode and ISAF commanders. This while remaining safe and was also invaluable during Seeker Brimstone missile is used investment to replenish supplies inside. the successful air campaign in by RAF crews to engage moving used in Afghanistan and in o Scout: page 10 Libya,” he said. or static targets at day or night Libya will ensure this capability “It is very popular with our air with pinpoint accuracy. The continues to be available while Steve’s role crews because of its flexibility, weapon’s precision guidance also giving a boost to the UK accuracy and reliability – they capability means the pilot is defence industry.” Steve Wadey, UK Managing have real confidence that the able to engage fleeting targets The contract for more Director of missile weapon will deliver the effects extremely accurately. Brimstone missiles comes a few company MBDA, required. After meeting RAF personnel weeks after a replishment of has been named “Brimstone has become a working for Joint Force Support Paveway IV bombs, securing 450 co-chairman of the vital part of our modern and at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan jobs at Raytheon UK. Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) – a new partnership between industry Increasing bandwidth helps MOD to connect with the world and Government – alongside Business Staff across the MOD will be able to do external by its 170,000 registered users each month. It also Minister Michael business more easily with available bandwidth being handles around 17.5 million website requests every Fallon. The DGP will more than doubled by April. month from Joint Personnel Administration and Civil help Government The MOD’s Enterprise Gateway Service (EGS) is a Service Jobs enquiries to Google Maps references. At promote defence fully managed service that provides secure internet peak demand the service has been affected. exports and e-mail and web browsing for all staff. It has seen a Now DE&S’ Networks team is enhancing the encourage small and rise in web-based business and personal traffic over existing DFTS contract to the tune of £3 million to medium companies the years. improve its capability from 100 megabytes at each but will also look at The service has been operational since 1999 Gateway location to 250 megabytes. how links between through the Defence Fixed Telecommunications This reflects greater emphasis on shared civil and military Service (DFTS) contract with BT. It supports an services across Government which brings cost technologies can be increasing range of business traffic, including up to savings as well as supporting more effective data better exploited. 17 million incoming and outgoing e-mails generated transfer and information from feature-rich websites.

REAL PRIDE. REAL ADVANTAGE. Our UK employees are proud to provide kit for Britain’s armed forces. We design, manufacture and maintain ghter jets, armoured vehicles and naval vessels including the Typhoon aircraft, Scimitar light tanks and the Astute Class of submarine. But we’re prouder still of the contribution and sacri ces made by our armed forces every day. Thank you.

REAL PRIDE. REAL ADVANTAGE. 8 news

NEWSREEL Christmas – a final round-up

Final figures have been released on the MOD’s efforts for the 9,000 UK personnel in Afghanistan over Christmas. As well as tonnes of tinsel and sackloads of Santa hats, 18,000 Christmas crackers and 16,000 Falcon – and its DE&S providers streamers and party poppers, the MOD flew out festive food, including two and half tonnes of turkey, one tonne of Brussels sprouts, Falcon swoops two and a half tonnes of gammon, two and a half tonnes of Christmas pudding, 23,500 to give Forces mince pies, 40,000 After Eight mints, and more than 170,000 canapés secure comms and buffet items. Charity uk4uThanks! provided 20,000 Christmas boxes to Dedicated secure troops all over the broadband communications for world. the battlefield is expected to be with all UK military units by the Ready Ten in the race summer. for Falcon, which achieved its action: Ten private sector in-service date last autumn, is Falcon, companies have a deployable broadband-based above been invited right, system that allows secure and by the Defence on trials Infrastructure resilient transmission of data and and, Organisation voice. right, to tender for a It is replacing technologically at the new framework limited systems such as sharp agreement to Cormorant and Ptarmigan end deliver construction which can’t meet current and projects across the UK defence estate. future information exchange They are: Balfour requirements of the Forces. Beatty Group, “Falcon is now in service BAM Construction, with the Army and RAF and data domains simultaneously. Engine development Carillion this achievement is testimony to The system is fully scalable from Construction, the dedication and commitment a single small network in support The MOD is to support Cox Interserve of the team involved in the of humanitarian operations to a Powertrain and Ricardo in Construction, Kier delivery of this step change full tactical deployment covering prototype development of a Graham, Lend revolutionary high performance, Lease Construction in communication systems a large war-fighting theatre. lightweight diesel engine (EMEA), Miller capability for the Armed Forces,” Falcon overcame a technical intended for fast, rigid inflatable Construction (UK), said Rob Tucker, Information problem which caused the project boats used by the Royal Navy. Morgan Sindall, Systems and Services’ Networks to slip by more than a year and The engine is being developed Skanska UK and Trunk Systems Deputy Head. despite this the team has still with the military in mind where Wates Construction. “The team in conjunction delivered significantly under extreme diesel performance, with industry has overcome its original budget approval. light weight and small package Latest chart size are critical to mission difficult technical challenges The delay and the accelerated performance alongside and delivered a first class withdrawal from Afghanistan, This issue of robustness and high reliability. product that will be the main means Falcon will not deploy on desider contains the latest DE&S weapon of military deployed Operation Herrick. Saudi support wallchart. Further communications for the next Falcon can be fielded in several copies can be decade and beyond.” ways: in containers fitted to Rolls-Royce will support obtained from DE&S’ Falcon is based on the internet dedicated trucks (MAN HX60s), engines powering Saudi Arabia’s press office at Maple protocol and combines data and in containers on their own or as fleet of Tornado aircraft for the 0A, Abbey Wood ext voice in a way that minimises the a set of equipment supplied on next four years after agreement 30537. Soft copies number of end terminals needed pallets. This flexibility allows for between the UK and Saudi can be seen on the governments under the Saudi in theatre. This allows multi- rapid reconfiguration of the wide Defence Intranet and British Defence Co-operation the Internet. security domain communications area network depending on the Programme. and can provide services to all military situation. Have you met some of your Test and Evaluation team? To get the best out of Test, Evaluation and Training, you need suitably qualified and experienced people, combined with access to the right facilities. Since 2003, cost effective Test, Evaluation and Training Support Services have been delivered to the MOD through the Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA). This brings together experts in the test and evaluation of systems, weapons and components to meet your requirements, from concept to disposal. Tailored live and simulated training is also available. Visit www.LTPA.co.uk to find out more.

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0800 015 0594 www.LTPA.co.uk www.LTPA.co.uk is a QinetiQ registered domain name. 10 news NEWSREEL Scout clears another hurdle Work starts on Marine centre Design review A new permanent A turretless, pre-prototype vehicle base is to be built goes through mobility trials for 3 Commando completed as new Brigade Royal Marines Armoured engineering campus Support Group at Bovington, Dorset. is formally opened The Defence Infrastructure Organisation has SCOUT Specialist Vehicle has awarded a £14 achieved its Preliminary Design million contract to Debut Services Review (PDR). that will see The achievement was marked work start next at the new engineering campus for month. Buildings future army systems at Caerphilly will include new in south Wales, built by prime bedrooms for around contractor General 120 personnel and Dynamics UK. transport facilities Evidence reviewed at PDR included: for 26 vehicles, Scout will be a fully o whole platform design (including a mobile vehicle test platform for pre- which will include digitised all-weather prototype trials); servicing, repair globally deployable o live firing with the new Anglo-French 40mm case telescoped ammunition; bay, covered vehicle reconnaissance vehicle o fully operational high-performance long-range sensors; parking and stores. for the British Army. o blast trials; Roddy Malone, o testing of advanced multi-layer secure (against cyber attack) electronic Scout SV leader at architecture with Defence Generic Vehicle Architecture standards; Strategy on DE&S, said: “PDR exit, o human factors analysis to ensure the soldier is designed at the heart of Scout. the way while a calendar event in itself, was conducted The Government’s over several months with expert International groups and system engineers from Defence across the UK and the industry Engagement supply chain, DE&S and wider MOD. Strategy will be published shortly, “They worked closely together Defence Minister Dr to focus on system maturity, Andrew Murrison surfacing design conflicts, risks has pledged. This and mitigations so as to drive out will identify the risk ahead of the major investment optimum ways decision at Main Gate 2 (Production in which defence Release). assets and activities can contribute “Achievement of PDR is the towards wider culmination of significant system Government engineering and sub-system objectives overseas, trials, bringing user and systems including security, requirements to life.” conflict prevention He added: “PDR is a stepping and prosperity. stone to the System Critical Design “We consult across Whitehall to ensure Review (CDR) later this year which Brigadier Talbot-Rice, right, briefs Carwen Jones, left, on Scout that we prioritise will baseline platform designs ahead our defence of reliability trials. While there is engagement most much to do for CDR, clearing PDR is effectively against welcome progress.” Campus gives Scout boost these objectives, in Brigadier Robert Talbot-Rice, line with changing Inauguration of GD UK’s new Mr Jones said: “General Head of DE&S’ Combat Tracks international design campus was conducted Dynamics UK is clearly at the realities,” he told Group, added: “The Scout capability by the First Minister of Wales, forefront of vehicle design with Parliament. is a vital part of plans to equip Carwen Jones, who welcomed the Scout SV at the cutting edge of Army 2020. It provides an essential company’s £12 million investment, technological development. I am replacement for the existing Combat together with the high tech skills delighted GD UK have chosen to and industrial capability it creates. design and engineer this vehicle Captain Simon Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) The campus will be the centre here in the heart of the Welsh fleet which has its design origins in of General Dynamics engineering valleys.” The first Royal the late 1960s and, as it approaches in the UK and is where The new facility features some Navy officer to be its 60th birthday, is less able to meet industry’s Scout SV international of the most advanced systems in charge of HMS ever-evolving standards. engineering team will be led from. integration labs in the world, Queen Elizabeth “We are very happy to be It is also home to the engineering bays for trials and is Captain Simon working with GD UK to deliver company’s team supporting space for four tracked fighting Petitt. He will be the Bowman communications to vehicles in a test environment ship’s Senior Naval what will undoubtedly be a world the British Army and to GD’s similar to a Formula 1 garage. Officer during the class capability making a major innovation cells which recently A test track will also be added, construction phase investment in sovereign defence designed and integrated wi- along with working facilities for of the carrier. skills as well as Land and C4I design fi-enabled health monitoring DE&S staff, partner companies, facilities in the UK.” systems onto vehicles in customers and supply chain Afghanistan. teams. news 11

NEWSREEL Virtual exercise helps train Oman signs up UK’s to Typhoon future System Oman has become success: the seventh country, MCTS and the second in warfighters the Middle East, to operate Typhoon after its decision to An exercise involving air and maritime to control ‘live’ Typhoons in a realistic and fully buy 12 along with warfighters has seen a synthetic training system representative environment, a rare opportunity for eight Hawk advanced pass another key milestone en route to full Navy controllers. trainers. Deliveries operating capability. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with an will begin in 2017. The Maritime Composite Training System E-3D crew, developing understanding of operating Air forces of the housed at HMS Collingwood in Hampshire hosted procedures, gave further indication of the huge UK, Germany, Italy, the week-long Exercise Water Dragon which linked training potential that this level of interoperability Spain, Austria and a simulated Type 45 destroyer in the system with will deliver. Saudi Arabia already two Typhoons and an E-3D simulator housed in the The ability to conduct live, interactive debriefs operate Typhoon. Mobile Air Battle Test Centre at RAF Waddington. between participating units greatly enhanced the Chris Boardman, Simulators were manned by a mixture of learning experience of those involved. Managing Director front line operators, instructors and role players Overall, the trial was successful and opens the of BAE Systems’ engaged in a realistic scenario based in the Gulf. door to further international interoperability trials Military Air and In proving the training capability, the two with the US planned for the system in the coming Information Fighter Controllers in the destroyer were able months. business, said: “This is excellent news for those who work at our Warton, Samlesbury and Brough sites.” Oman’s purchase of Somerset leaves Devon Hawk takes the total number of Hawk aircraft sold, or on order, to 998. HMS Somerset has left Babcock Managing Director Devonport after completing the Warships, Mike Whalley, added: first Type 23 frigate refit under “This will contribute to future full implementation of new Type 23 refits as the material Final doors maintenance arrangements. state knowledge held by the COM delivered The nine-month docking has team builds, allowing work to be been successfully undertaken increasingly well informed, and the final set of doors for the by a joint Surface Ship Support greater efficiencies and savings Queen Elizabeth Alliance team – made up of DE&S, to be achieved.” aircraft carriers’ Babcock, and BAE Systems – Improvements to the Highly Mechanised and co-ordinated under the Type ship include the new DNA(2) Weapons Handling 23 Class Output Management Command System, central to System have (COM) arrangements. the ship’s capability against been delivered by Captain Jonathan Fry, head air, surface and underwater designers Babcock. The system helps of the Frigates team, said: “HMS threats; a SeaWolf missile move palletised Somerset’s upkeep has been the mid-life upgrade comprising munitions around first real test of the ability of the tracking, guidance and weapon the deep magazine Type 23 COM and the Alliance management upgrades; and weapon to deliver a major package of installation of the Defence preparation areas, maintenance and capability Information Infrastructure and includes a upgrade. (Future) enabling information DE&S and industry series of weapons lifts to connect the “I am delighted that we have sharing and collaborative pass latest magazines, hangar, reached this key milestone on working across the Armed weapon preparation time and materially ready to Forces and MOD; and Nato maintenance test area and flight commence sea trials. radial filters to protect fresh air deck. The final pair of hydraulically- “Both Babcock and the COM supplies from contamination in Above: HMS Somerset sees operated lift doors have worked hard to ensure the event of an incident. daylight again after her nine-month taut management and delivery Maintenance to radar, are the last of a docking period total of 38, each ship of a complex project and I look sonar, and weapons systems having 19 fitted. All forward to a successful trials including the 4.5 inch gun has have been delivered period and returning HMS also been carried out along HMS Somerset is now on to schedule. Somerset to the Royal Navy once with a full programme of deep sea trials before returning to these are complete.” maintenance. the Fleet. o Carriers: page 12 12 news Carrier build keeps moving forward

The forward island and bridge of HMS impact has been fitted into the bridge’s Queen Elizabeth has been unveiled ahead Island and bridge floor-to-ceiling windows. An illustration of its delivery voyage from Portsmouth to of the crest has also been added to show Rosyth. are unveiled where the real one will be fixed. It weighs in at 680 tonnes, heavier than Portsmouth will be the home port of some ships in the Royal Navy’s fleet. in Portsmouth HMS Queen Elizabeth so the island will The iconic block, known as Upper Block return to the city as part of the completed 07, contains 83 compartments across its aircraft carrier. six decks, including the ship’s main bridge cables and 3,101 pipes. It will be the first HMS Queen Elizabeth is progressing and a cabin for the commanding officer. aircraft carrier section to depart in its at Rosyth with work underway on all The QueenThe Elizabethblock is in an advanced Class state with final colours with its paintwork applied, major hull sections of the second ship its consoles installed along with 43km of while glass able to withstand a significant HMS Prince of Wales. Sense of Scale And there’s a new sense of scale

A new series of images has been issued to reveal the true scale of the UK’s new aircraft carriers. The posters, one of which shows a 65,000-tonne vessel next to the Houses of Parliament, left, have been compiled to demonstrate the size of the Royal Navy’s future flagships being built by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, of which DE&S plays a big part, at shipyards across the country. Ian Booth, Programme Director at the Alliance, said: “These posters depict the Queen Elizabeth class carriers in front of the Houses of Parliament and in Portsmouth where they will be based. They’re stunning images and show that the UK can expect two really spectacular ships.” The Alliance is a partnership of BAE Systems, Babcock, 185x65LoricaAdSandcat_Layout 1 09/07/2012 17:38 Page 1 Thales and DE&S.

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20627_DE&S Desider Ad_A4_v1.indd 1 09/01/2013 10:50 14 news Ministers take the front line quality test

Right: Philip Dunne is shown a stripped down Foxhound vehicle, while, far right, he visits the Defence Support Group hangar at Camp Bastion.

Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence scale of activity here and the quality of Equipment, Support and Technology, operations being conducted.” has made his first visit to the front line Mr Dunne saw mechanics in in Afghanistan. action as he visited the Equipment Mr Dunne was joined by Armed Support Battalion and the Equipment Forces Minister Andrew Robathan last Sustainability System at Camp month to see progress in mentoring Bastion where vehicles undergo deep Afghan forces and to look at the maintenance before being returned to performance of equipment in theatre. operations. The ministers visited the major UK “The ability of our own personnel bases at Camp Bastion and Lashkar and contractors to get vehicles back Gah as well as a smaller base in Nahr-e onto the ground – whether they have Saraj district. been disrupted on operations or require Mr Dunne said: “I’ve been routine maintenance – is impressive,” extraordinarily impressed by both the he said.

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As F-35 Lightning II testing continues in the United States . . . NEWSREEL External Production heads towards study Around three- A new assembly line in quarters of MOD Samlesbury is changing the pace commercial staff – there are of military aircraft production one-a-day target about 1,200 in in the UK. the commercial The production line which function – will hold sees aircraft sets being pulsed qualifications at through an overhead monorail various professional system for optimal efficiency has levels of the just delivered the first complete Chartered Institute of Purchasing and F-35 Lightning II aft fuselage set. Supply by 2015, Taking just nine weeks to Defence Minister Dr complete, the production of Andrew Murrison AF047 demonstrates the success has said. Around of the new line. 47 per cent do so Production rates currently at the moment see one aircraft set being and this figure is expected to rise to produced every five days and at 60 per cent by this peak rate will reach one per day April, he added, in by 2016. a written answer in Chris Allam, Senior Vice- Parliament. President for F-35, said: “2012 has been an incredibly important and incredibly busy year for ESS supports the F-35 programme. We have the services delivered over 100 aft fuselage assemblies to the customer since ESS Support production began in 2004; we’ve Services Worldwide (ESS) has been completed 42 aft fuselage sets in On the pulse: Samlesbury is aiming for a new aircraft set per day 2012 and we’ve just seen the first awarded a contract aircraft set coming off the new with the Defence Infrastructure line. The integrated assembly Northrop Grumman to deliver Organisation (DIO) “It’s great news for BAE line is part of the company’s the F-35 Lightning II, which has starting in May to Systems and great news for the £150 million investment in the a current requirement for more provide soft services F-35 programme. And it doesn’t F-35 programme at Samlesbury. than 3,000 aircraft. worth £57 million stop there. This production line A similar production line is Fifteen per cent of Lightning over three years to has an important role to play in currently being built to support II work is carried out in the the MOD. ESS will other ways too. the horizontal and vertical tail UK and more than 130 British deliver support to the Royal Navy and “If you need proof that we assembly builds. companies contribute to the Royal Marines, the are committed to world class BAE Systems is responsible supply chain. Army and the RAF manufacturing, if you want for design and delivery of the The programme is worth across sites in the to see the future of aircraft aft fuselage and tail surfaces for more than £1 billion to UK south west. These production in the UK then the each of the three F-35 variants. industry each year and will include catering, assembly facility at Samlesbury The company is teamed support around 25,000 British mess and hotel services, cleaning, is a good place to start.” with Lockheed Martin and jobs over the next 25 years. waste management, stores and logistics, motor transport Tornado engine servicing takes a step forward at Marham and personnel and administrative support. Rolls-Royce has opened its first partners provide; their work, in service delivery centre to support true partnership with the RAF, has military engines at RAF Marham in and will continue to deliver world F-35 fuel tests Norfolk. class performance on operations Around 15 specialist Rolls- and in training.” Two F-35 Lightning Royce engineers will work John Rishton, Rolls-Royce II aircraft have alongside their RAF counterparts Chief Executive, pictured left, refuelled in the sky at the new centre to deliver added: “This is an excellent above the US for tailored support services for the example of working in close the first time. The Tornado aircraft’s RB199 engines partnership at the heart of our two aircraft, both at the base. customer’s operations. It will Carrier Variants, The Centre also features live enable us to maximise engine time refuelled from a video links to the Rolls-Royce pictured above right, said: “This on-wing and improve response C-130 Hercules operations centre in Bristol, which facility will provide critical support times on critical operational as part of the will enable real-time decision to the Tornado fleet so that it can decisions.” F-35 flight test making on engine issues helping continue to deliver the first rate Rolls-Royce supports programme which to further increase aircraft operational capability for which the Tornado RB199 engines will see more than availability for missions. the Force is justifiably famous. under the ROCET (RB199 1,000 test flights Chief of the Air Staff, Air “We are grateful for the Operational Contract for Engine this year. Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, essential support that our industry Transformation) contract.

news 17 Building a safe engineering culture

Air Vice-Marshal Julian Management Team. He Young has taken up his new New Director brings with him a wealth of appointment as DE&S Director experience that he will be able Technical responsible for sets out to put to good use in leading his safety, engineering, quality, team and its diverse portfolio portfolio, programme and early goals in order to shape safety, project management and on his arrival engineering and technology technical delivery. for the future DE&S.” He said “I am delighted at DE&S In 2009 the Air Vice- to have been appointed Marshal was appointed as Director Technical at on promotion to Director DE&S: it was competitively Defence Support Review with advertised and absolutely responsibility for priming worth winning. Beyond that I term organisational structure the Strategic Defence and am an engineer and I relish the that delivers what the Front Security Review with ideas on opportunity of working within Line needs and provides value improving the effectiveness a directorate full of technical for money for the taxpayer. and efficiency of support; and programme management “Meanwhile, I am many of these - including expertise to help collectively pleased to fulfil the specific ‘Total Support Force’ - are now make a difference to the roles of Skills Director for being implemented. outcome of military capability. Engineering for all four He is an Engineer Officer “There are many tough services at DE&S and the MOD and early operational tours challenges ahead of DE&S and Quality Assurance Authority, were on Support Helicopter the wider MOD, and, using both topics I have some prior squadrons, including my previous experience of knowledge and expertise in. Operation Granby (Gulf War strategic change management, “Indeed, an early vision is I) and detachments to the I look forward to playing my to build a safe and professional Falklands. full part as a member of the engineering culture and Later tours focused on senior management team to community here at DE&S, Harrier GR7/T10 aircraft, deliver a sustainable long- and to promote strongly the in the project team and Safety Board’s operationally. He served newly-adopted as Station Commander at o Air Vice-Marshal Young, pictured above, was able to set out his aims for the messages RAF Cosford in 2002-03, engineering community to 165 engineers and scientists from across DE&S at the for DE&S: and was awarded his CB in Professional Engineers’ Forum on 8th January. Delivery 2013 for work related to RAF A presentation on airworthiness skills showed the opportunities that all DE&S focused; organisational change and engineers have to develop themselves; a speaker from BAE Systems showed Safety driven.” OBE in 2000 for work related achievements on product safety through partnering with DE&S; and the technical C h i e f to Harrier support. Director responsible for the 2012 Olympic Stadium explained how the design was inspired by a bicycle wheel! of Defence The Air Vice-Marshal is Representatives from engineering institutions, training providers and Technical Materiel married to Helen and they development partner teams were available to provide advice and guidance about skills, Bernard Gray have three adult children. development opportunities and professional registration during the event. added: “I am He is President of the Air Vice-Marshal Young said: “The Forum is a key event to bring together pleased to Minerva Society and the RAF engineers and scientists from across the organisation to create a cohesive professional have Julian Microlight Flying Association, grouping at the core of DE&S business.” join the and Director of RAF Active The next Forum is scheduled for Monday 22nd July. Further information on Eng Pol events contact Rachel Dyer [email protected] Tel 030 679 36769. DE&S Senior magazine.

Equipment management continues to improve

Management of the biggest aircraft contract. DE&S has equipment programmes is already mitigated delays to the improving, according to the UK’s RAF’s new tactical transport spending watchdog the National aircraft (A400M) by purchasing Audit Office. two extra Boeing C-17 aircraft and The NAO’s annual Major two BAe 146 aircraft. Projects Report (MPR), published Defence Secretary Philip on 10th January, found that for Hammond said: “The 0.8 per 2011-2012 the annual cost increase cent growth in programme cost for the 16 biggest projects in the represents much less than the rate equipment programme was £468 of inflation for the year. million, seven times lower than “The work done to balance the MPR 2010 which was recorded as budget and address fundamental £3.26 billion. project management problems And almost three quarters of is paying off. We can now make Greater transport capacity: ZZ177, the seventh the cost increase in 2011/12 was more accurate cost projections C-17 bought by DE&S for the RAF, is pictured due to rising oil costs leading to and invest in the best equipment at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, on its first higher fuel prices over the next for our Armed Forces with more operational flight 27 years for the RAF’s Voyager confidence than ever before.” 18 news

New Intranet goes live at New commercial director DE&S The new Defence is appointed at DE&S Intranet has gone live for all working inside defence. Steven Morgan has taken Executive Director responsible The internal up his appointment in the for Heathrow’s £4.6 billion information service newly-created post of Director capital acquisition programme will provide users Commercial Operations at DE&S. and construction of the new with a common He is focused on acquisition Terminal 2 for four years, and look while allowing and has line management BNFL’s Commercial Director at business areas the chance to design responsibility for the ten Heads Sellafield for five years leading their own pages. of Commercial in the Operating the commercial migration of the New information Centres, each focused on an nuclear site from owner-operated architecture – equipment domain (for example to contractor-operated. developed by Helicopters, Submarines). He is a Fellow of the Chartered Microsoft and a team Mr Morgan, pictured, said: Institute of Purchasing and led by MOD Chief “I have already discovered that the DE&S day to day commercial Supply (CIPS) and a newly elected Information Officer – will provide context DE&S is a hurricane of activity activity of circa £14 billion annual member of CIPS Congress. to where users sit populated by a cadre of highly spend on some of the most In 2008 he was selected in the MOD and professional and dedicated public challenging acquisition tasks in as CIPS Senior Procurement enable quicker acess servants. I am so excited about the UK. Professional of the Year, and to frequently used joining this high-class team and “His appointment follows an holds an MBA in Contracting and information. am looking forward to sharing extensive recruitment campaign, Project Management from George With the MOD the challenges.” which also appointed a number of Washington University. moving to MOSS for collaborative On appointing Mr Morgan, internal and external candidates He is also a Fellow of the working, the web Les Mosco, MOD Director to senior civil service posts. All Institution of Civil Engineering content management Commercial, said: “I’m really will help strengthen the MOD and a Visiting Fellow of Cranfield stream of MOSS will pleased that Steven is joining us. commercial function.” University where he has lectured help build the more He comes with an impressive track Mr Morgan joins DE&S after on the Intelligent Client. up-to-date Intranet record of complex acquisition and a senior commercial, contracting Mr Morgan is married to Anne using SharePoint capital projects. and major projects career. and they will soon be relocating technology. “His role in the MOD is to lead His most recent roles include to Gloucestershire. MSV Desider advert New tel no_Layout 1 10/09/2012 13:00 Page 1

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Catalogue helps engineer better equipment supply

NEARLY 4,000 items of not feasible or desirable. Such required. The process has taken construction equipment have delivery, where often no two 18 months to complete, with 3,782 now been codified into a stores projects are alike, places a high items codified after suggestions catalogue to make it easier dependency on obtaining the right by Royal Engineers. for Royal Engineers to obtain material at the right time. The project, under WO material for building and ECI delivered this capability Andrew Haile, sees the catalogue infrastructure work. on time through enabling include prices for each line item For the past eight years arrangements. Items were not and the contract also includes DE&S’ Expeditionary Campaign codified and entered the supply the capability to supply items Infrastructure team (ECI) has chain without an item record, that are not listed within a given delivered construction material to causing difficulties in demand and time frame to satisfy customer engineers and other military units supply. requirements. supporting operations, training A new three-year £7.2 million The new contract is being and humanitarian work. contract with WF Electrical used to support operations This has enabled delivery introduces a catalogue which has, and training worldwide and of material – installations and at its core, a list of commonly the Construction Catalogue is WO Andrew Haile, buildings for example – in places used building materials with available to military engineers on project manager for the where local procurement is flexibility to deliver items as Technical Documents On Line. Construction Stores catalogue

The shape of things to come: a computer Work urged image of how the Type 26 Global Combat Ship on cyber will look security

Work between the MOD and private companies in cyber security has been praised by a powerful committee of MPs. And commitment to foster an innovative cyber security sector in the UK including a distinct role for DE&S to confront threats and provide potential offensive capability has been welcomed. But the House of Commons Defence UK and Australia set to Committee has called for a more vigorous approach from the Government to cyber security. share Type 26 ideas Committee chairman James Arbuthnot said: “The Government The UK and Australia are In one of the first examples of maximising our capabilities. needs to put in place to explore co-operation over the closer relationship, Defence “Areas of potential co- mechanisms, people, mutual design work for the Secretary Philip Hammond operation include future education, skills, Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global visited the Australian naval base frigates, with the Royal Navy’s thinking and policies which take into account Combat Ship. and BAE Systems shipyard in Type 26 design, a cutting edge opportunities and With both countries due to Perth to discuss sustainment blueprint that could be the first vulnerabilities which build new frigates in the next and development of Australia's of many opportunities for future cyberspace presents.” decade or so, design of the vessel submarine programme and collaboration. Minister for could meet the needs of the future shipbuilding. “In times of budget pressures International Security Royal Australian Navy. Mr Hammond and Mr Smith for all nations, it makes sense to Strategy Dr Andrew Chances of co-operation agreed to work on the prospect maximise economies of scale Murrison said: “The MOD takes have been boosted by a new of collaboration on Australia's and work with our friends to get protection of our defence treaty between the two future frigate requirements and the best value for money on all systems extremely countries, signed in Perth on the UK’s planned Type 26 ship. sides.” seriously and has a 18th January with Australian Mr Hammond said: “This “Australia is a close ally of range of contingency Defence Minister Stephen Government has made a the UK and Nato in Afghanistan, plans to defend Smith, to provide a framework concerted effort to renew and as in Iraq, and is a key partner against increasingly for co-operation. strengthen our relationship in the Asia Pacific region. Many sophisticated attacks. “The level of The two countries will with one of our oldest allies. of today’s security challenges Government funding work together in areas such as This defence treaty will drive require a shared response, to tackle this threat cyber security, defence reform, forward closer co-operation on a and the treaty therefore underlines the personnel exchange, equipment, wide range of issues, making our complements what we are doing importance we attach and science and technology. forces more interoperable and in Nato.” to these issues.” 20 weapons

‘Head and shoulders above DE&S has bought 25,000 Glock pistols as the new sidearm for UK Armed Forces. Tim Foreman watched its public launch the rest’

tanding on a firing range in Woolwich Barracks, Royal Marine SSergeant Steve Lord is poised, waiting for the order from the range control officer to draw his pistol and shoot. than 25,000 new pistols. To mark this As the cry of “target” the speed with milestone members of DE&S’ Soldier which Sgt Lord draws the pistol from its System Programmes team who procured holster and fires seems as fast as Usain the pistol and the Royal Marines Bolt out of the blocks. That is one of the displayed the impressive Glock 17 Gen 4 reasons the Glock 17 has been picked as before members of the national media. the UK military’s new standard issue The unmistakable smell of cordite sidearm. filled the air as the pistol was put through DE&S has signed a £9 million contract its paces in front of journalists, who were as a requirements manager in Soldier to provide the Armed Forces with more given a detailed briefing on why the Glock System Programmes explained that the is the latest weapon of choice for the UK’s Browning’s external safety catch could Armed Forces, and were allowed to fire mean a longer delay before pulling the the pistol themselves. trigger. Many who got to pull the trigger WO Anderson, who trialled the commented on the pistol’s lightness and new weapon before the contract was the level of accuracy even a novice was awarded, said: “The Glock can be drawn able to achieve when shooting at a target. and fired accurately within two seconds, The Glock replaces the venerable which makes it a formidable weapon and Browning pistol that has been in service increases the chances of soldiers being for more than 40 years and has seen able to defend themselves. action on operations all over the world. “Pistols are vital in close combat and However, despite its impressive are a key part of a soldier’s armoury. service record, it has become increasingly Reliable, light and easy to carry, the Glock 17 Gen4 9 mm pistol expensive to maintain and the MOD Glock inspires confidence and performs decided it was time for a replacement. exceptionally well.” Effective range : 25 metres After a two-year process the Glock Personnel across all services will begin to receive the new Glocks this year Calibre : 9 mm was chosen. It is much lighter and more accurate than the Browning and its and troops deployed to Afghanistan will be among the first to use the new Magazine capacity : 17 rounds magazines can carry more 9mm bullets – 17 rounds compared to 13 for the weapon. Composition : Steel with polymer Browning. The Glock has three built-in The contract with Viking Arms of Harrogate, Yorkshire, also includes more frame safety devices, so the pistol can be kept loaded with a round in the chamber – than 25,000 holsters. Weight : Unloaded: 625 g / 22.05 oz. even when it is in the holster. The Glock pistol, manufactured in Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Austria, was tested for around 18 months Loaded: 905 g / 32.12 oz. Anderson, a Royal Marine working against seven other competitors, with the team firing about 250,000 rounds, weapons 21

‘Head and shoulders above the rest’

including in climates ranging from the developed with Viking Arms UK and Arctic at-40C to deserts at more than Glock, in meeting the targets set.” 50C. Minister for Defence Equipment, Colonel Peter Warden, until Support and Technology, Philip Dunne recently the leader of the delivery team said: “I have seen this pistol demonstrated responsible for the procurement of the in target ranges and am impressed that new pistol, said: “The Browning is at the this new lighter, safer generation of pistol end of its service life. Like an old car, provides better value for money for the it became more cost-effective to buy a MOD and will complement the wide new gun than to keep maintaining and range of weapons already available to repairing it with increasing regularity. front line troops.” “Now we have a much more effective The Glock has a proven track record weapon that is more reliable and durable. with other Armed Forces and was The Glock 17 has shown itself to be head reliable and easy to use in MOD tests, and shoulders above the rest of the according to Philip Page, Lethality competitors.” Through Life Manager in Soldier System He added: “The DE&S project team Programmes. “We tested them in several is to be congratulated on a successful environments, from the Arctic in Norway, project which has been delivered ahead of to the deserts in America, including time and below budget. This is no mean sand drag tests, special mud tests, and feat and would not have been possible in the freezing rain”, he said. “It's about without much hard work in the planning stopping the target – it’s an incapacitation and delivery of the project plan and in effect, which is vital if you want to stop particular in the spirit of partnership the attack.” 22 skynet

Skynet blast-off

The Skynet 5D satellite has begun its 765 million mile journey to provide secure military communications to all UK Forces

he latest of the MOD’s The satellite, built at Astrium’s sites programme as a ‘remarkable success’. groundbreaking secure military in Portsmouth and Stevenage, will fly at “For nearly a decade Skynet has Tcommunications satellites has been speeds of around 6,200 miles per hour been providing vital support to the successfully launched into space. and is expected to cover about 765 million Armed Forces. The launch of this latest Launched from French Guiana, South miles in its projected lifetime. satellite will provide the additional global America, the Skynet 5D satellite began It will reinforce and extend the communications capacity needed to its eight-day journey into space before operational service which Skynet has support operations,” he said. settling into orbit and starting to beam provided to UK forces including in Iraq, Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond signals that will be used to operate extra Afghanistan, the Middle East and the added: “The launch of Skynet 5D marks secure communication channels between Balkans. Skynet 5D has increased fuel another milestone in this very successful MOD headquarters and the three military capacity, enabling the satellite to be programme. These satellites provide services worldwide. repositioned more frequently in orbit, essential secure communication channels Skynet 5D is the fourth (and last) enhancing its ability to respond to UK for our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and satellite to be put into orbit since 2007 operational requirements. The satellite allow all three services to communicate under a £4 billion Private Finance has an expected operating life of at least with each other.” Initiative (PFI) programme with Astrium, 15 years. Manufacture of the Skynet 5 satellites who built the satellite, and service Colonel Mike Griffiths, Head of began in 2003 with the first of the providers Astrium Services. Networks at DE&S, has described the satellites, Skynet 5A, launched in March skynet 23

2007, followed by Skynet 5B in November jamming antennae they are very efficient 2007. Skynet 5C was launched in June for military use and effective against 2008. hostile or non-hostile cyber interference. The PFI with Astrium Government The extra communications capacity Communications (formerly EADS/ Skynet 5D brings will be used across the Paradigm) began in 2003 and will spectrum of defence from the infantry in run until 2022. It delivers the MOD's Helmand Province to ships and air forces communications requirements, yet in the Gulf. still enables Astrium to sell spare The MOD agreed to the launch satellite capacity on the world market. of the fourth satellite after a study This PFI approach has funded the four predicting a potential shortfall in satellites without the MOD needing to Skynet overall capacity. It is predicted find the considerable up front capital there will be a rise in demand, due to expenditure. increasingly complex command systems Two large ground stations control and an upsurge in traffic. Skynet 5D the satellite constellation. The is undergoing in-orbit commissioning programme also delivers different- testing and should be available for sized ground and ship-borne terminals services in April. used by the services on worldwide The Skynet project sustains around operations. Skynet 5 satellites have the 800 jobs between the company’s sites in highest powered military radio band Stevenage, Portsmouth and Corsham in transmitters in orbit. Coupled with anti- Wiltshire. 24 postal services Special delivery – BFPO ups front line game Systems which will improve postal services to deployed UK servicemen and women are being introduced across Afghanistan by a team from DE&S’ British Forces Post Office.

en and women on the front line A team from BFPO’s Technical Support which has already been extended three of Afghanistan are enjoying Services (TSS) – Maj Mark Lloyd, WO2 times, ceased at the end of last December. Menhanced services thanks to new Mark Gwilt, Sgt Russel Gibbons and The project team has been working on its information systems being brought in by Sgt Stuart Paton – were tasked with replacement. British Forces Post Office. implementing e-bluey 2 in Afghanistan While some of the work could be done The services will also increase before the existing service ceased to remotely, much of the work, including visibility of the end-to-end mail chain and function. the technical refresh of hardware, automate complicated manual processes. E-bluey, has been in service since 2001 could only be completed in theatre once The three new systems are e-bluey 2, and, with monthly downloads averaging Boeing Defence (UK) had installed and Horizon Online (HoL) and Postal and between 55,000 and 100,000, it is configured the new servers and made the Courier Electronic Records (Pacer) 2. extremely popular. The existing contract, production environment accessible.

Message from home: CSgt Dale Smith from 4 Mechanised Brigade reads an e-bluey while collecting his unit’s mail postal services 25

e-bluey Special delivery – BFPO ups front line game Probably the best known of BFPO’s systems is the hybrid mail system, e-bluey. It has allowed deployed personnel to send and receive letters from families and friends. Letters are downloaded, printed and sealed in theatre, as close to the point of delivery as possible. The time of transmission of a physical letter to a serviceperson is dramatically reduced, as it is not necessary to transport the letter through the mail system – which is particularly important in theatre as it reduces the logistic footprint. The system is installed in 21 forward bases and patrol bases in Afghanistan and communications are provided by a portable broadband global area network satellite. E-bluey 2 uses existing hardware although replacement hardened laptops have been provided. While the general look and feel of the website has been deliberately kept the same, there are important changes behind the scenes. The way information is inputted, The TSS team from BFPO’s transmitted and stored has been improved while the application and website incorporates headquarters at RAF Northolt deployed recent technological advances in security; administrators are also better equipped to to upgrade the existing e-bluey system support the application. used throughout theatre. Team members also installed and configured Pacer 2 for use at the Camp Bastion post office. They ‘Track and Trace’ with Pacer 2 encountered a number of issues but, as Pacer 2 is a networked electronic accounting and ‘track and trace’ system for they deployed with the right experts and processing and management of all official mail worldwide; it also supports the movement were appropriately supported by those at of personal mail and parcels to entitled personnel serving overseas. The Defence Courier RAF Northolt, they managed to complete Module will also do the same for all protectively marked material. all their tasks. Installing the system at Camp Bastion, the team sited terminals to suit working The team also trained up the local practises. External communications back to BFPO London is satisfied by the use of a e-bluey SNCO, visited forward bases Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellite. Internally, a non broadcasting, isolated wi-fi to rectify equipment issues and lack network was created so that each component of the system can ‘talk’ to each other. of training, carried out site surveys, While the DVB has proved stable, any communications outage would not directly impact refurbished holdings, submitted ‘request on Pacer 2 as the system can continue to function off-line. for change’ for systems, prepared for Pacer 2 has significantly speeded up receipting in mailbags as labels can be scanned in later installation of HoL and also helped any order; it has also alleviated the need to maintain manual tick sheets. In addition to the in sorting some of the 2012 Christmas handheld scanner, the team has sourced finger-mounted scanners and, once operational, mail! these will also allow bags to be scanned and ticked in as the mail arrives. Mail to onward locations will be processed more quickly and efficiently as only one bag needs to be scanned and the remainder will automatically be receipted and despatched to the end post office. Pacer 2 has had a tough testing ground but has improved sorting and onward distribution of mail; it also provides HQ BFPO with visibility of the end-to-end mail chain.

Royal Mail systems at BFPO HoL is the Post Office’s bespoke counter management system. Adopted for use by the BFPO, it has been successfully introduced to almost every Forces Post Office. Sporting the latest Ingenico chip and pin card device, the system expands services and products available to the serviceperson overseas – many of these will be available in theatre too. In addition to normal chip and pin transactions, the system will allow individuals to check their UK bank balance, top up mobile phones in advance of a return on R&R, pay bills, transfer money, use the Moneygram service and deposit money in dollars on leaving theatre. The system has also been well received by counter staff because it alleviates the need to maintain many of the manual ledgers. The system provides a complete electronic audit trail and stock management is better controlled.

E-blueys downloaded and printed from the service at Camp Bastion by LCpl ‘G’ Gurung from 29 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps 26 equipment management The ‘do better’ team comes out on top A ten-year transformation process is well under way to improve provision of safe and available equipment to the Royal Navy's fleets of ships and submarines

DE&S project team that manages an affordable and sustainable equipment and spares overseen by MET has been hundreds of millions of pounds management service to the Royal Navy. categorised into 21 separate ‘Lots’ of Aworth of equipment management “We are also working on halving equipment groupings. Each Lot will be and spares support for Royal Navy the number of key under-performing competed. warships and submarines has launched equipment, such as some diesel engines These have in turn been subdivided a programme to transform the way the for example, by the end of this year (two into four separate types of support work is being done, to save the MOD out of nine achieved already) and we will contract, ranging from those involving money and improve fleet availability. reduce team manpower by April 2015 as a provision of spares only to the provision The Maritime Equipment result of the reduction in contracts. of asset availability (Contracting for Transformation (MET) team went “The scope is huge. The estimated value Availability). through a rigorous three-year market- of the proposed contracts on which we The programme has flexibility planned testing programme, during which outside have briefed industry is between £350 into it, because during the next seven industry was invited to compete for most million and £450 million over the next ten to ten years, when the planned new of the work the team did. years.” contracts are in effect, support solutions Team leader Jonathan Gilchrist, Mr Gilchrist said their work was for new classes of ships, expected to come who led MET through the in-house bid firmly in the support arena, although into service, may need support from process, said: “Our in-house ‘do better’ they support other teams in equipment MET. bid won that competition and since then upgrade programmes and are hugely MET supports all Royal Navy warships we have been working on delivering motivated and committed to achieving all and submarines and provides support to against the demanding requirements set targets. some equipment fitted to RFA vessels. It out in the Category A business case that “Yes our work is at the lower end of also supports the Army, Royal Marines underpins this programme. That win the technology spectrum; it’s about and Police with outboard motors. means there is a lot of pride in this team. mechanical items, marine engineering “Providing safe and available and spare parts and such like. But if we equipment, advice and spare parts the don’t get support to this equipment right fleet needs – such things as diesel engines then ships won’t be safe to inhabit, move, and hoses, pumps, generators, chilled have power or function properly, so our water plants and a multitude of other work is absolutely vital and my team equipment – is at present supported knows that,” he said. by about 80 separate contracts. We’ve “The key to us winning with an launched a transformative process with in-house ‘do better’ bid was to look industry that should bring this down to at everything we did very carefully around 22 contracts over the next couple to see whether we could do it all of years subject to MOD approvals. more effectively. We are now nine “We are also working hard to months into a ten-year programme of rationalise our significant inventory transformation.” holdings and processes to maximise Seventy-five potential suppliers availability and reduce excess stock to have been briefed on the process at an meet DG Resources targets. This is a industry event led by the MET team and really tough challenge but will result in the colossal spectrum of equipment equipment management 27

It's all in the preparation Implementation Manager Stuart Andrews said the key to the team’s success in winning against an industry bid was careful planning. Since then MET has introduced standardised processes used by all team sections all the time. This means that all work can be measured against the same criteria. At the heart of this is a six-step sustainable equipment management process based upon the “plan, do, check, act” principle. This process starts by identifying issues and solutions, plans are created, options generated, which are then presented to the MET programme board for endorsement; finally the decisions flow back into the team to be implemented. ESCIT (Equipment Support Continuous Improvement Team), which has been embedded in MET for the past three years, has been instrumental in the design and implementation of this process. At its core it is a process that brings people together to formalise decision making within current constraints – it helps to focus and direct resources across the team in a coherent and standardised way which includes the engagement of all functions within the MET team and stakeholders such as Navy Command and industry. Mr Andrews said: “We use this process to work our way from a known problem to an implemented solution against time, cost and performance criteria. It’s a flexible process yet provides a solid framework for the team to work against, It’s a process we believe could be used in other project teams and transformation programmes across DE&S.” Assistant Head of Commercial Scott White added: “We have learned a number of lessons during the competition phase of the MET Programme in 2008 and have used those lessons to help better shape and inform the process for this implementation phase. “We have sought to simplify the procurement process – a process often criticised by industry as being disproportionate and unnecessarily complicated – by undertaking a single pre-qualification questionnaire exercise, for all lots, and structuring it in such a way that it allows us to grow existing and help nurture new relationships across our industrial base, including our wide range of SMEs, to deliver MET’s future support solutions. In this regard, industry are key stakeholders in MET’s future success and improving availability of equipment for the Royal Navy.

Above: MET members join staff of a Trafalgar class submarine to Main picture: HMS Monmouth meets HMS work on a main circulation water pump Trenchant on exercises

Left: maintenance is carried out on a Rolls-Royce Perkins CV8 diesel generator as fitted to Sandown class mine countermeasures vessels 28 news

Nearly 10,000 staff You had your say – now took part in the annual comes the hard part! Your Say A big thank you to the staff across engagement score of 52 means that the survey. ‘DE&S who filled out the Your Say average answer to the key engagement survey last autumn. questions was a resounding ‘neither David Ball, That is not the only way you give agree nor disagree!’ – suggesting DE&S feedback. Other channels include Talk perhaps that staff may be reserving to the Board, Face to Face, town hall their judgement at an uncertain time. Director meetings and the Materiel Strategy And there is clearly a long way to engagement sessions. go before we feel fully involved and Human Chief of Defence Materiel Bernard bought in to the change in DE&S and Gray and the DE&S across MOD as a Resources, Board looked at the whole. There are Your Say results More than 9,900 staff from DE&S concerns over access pledges at its December completed the survey. to learning and Board and devoted development, about action on More than 7,000 provided written an afternoon on comments – 31,000 in all workload and about the results 17th January to the tools for the job. looking at what The DE&S engagement score of 52 And, not surprisingly staff were saying per cent is the same as last year in today’s climate, through all these and the same as MOD as a whole there is a lot of channels and how to dissatisfaction with The most engaged departments in respond. Individual pay and conditions. Government score around 60 per businesses have cent I will shortly been looking at the publish on the results for their own There are 10,000 hits a month on Intranet more detail areas. the DE&S Talk to the Board pages about what DE&S The survey staff said; how it had some positive Around 200 people provided compares to what feedback on the Materiel Strategy messages: there are others have said; engagement sessions clearly things most and what the Board of us in DE&S think intends to do about it are good about where we work – how and, just as important, what it wants us interesting the work is, the respect all to do about it. we are shown, how considerate our We have massive change in prospect managers are, the skills we have to do for DE&S and getting everybody the job, and the opportunity to develop involved in that is hugely important. a career. But that won’t happen unless people are The survey shows a strong personal convinced that the change is relevant to attachment to defence. their concerns. But there are some much less So the survey sets us all a real comfortable messages too. The overall challenge: of course what we now have David Ball sense of engagement has stayed to do is show not just that You Said, but the same as the year before. The that We Listened. That is the hard part.’

‘We have to show not just that You Said but that We Listened. That is the hard part’

Safety tops submarine agenda

A course to improve awareness of how staff. Aspects of the course have also been maintenance work on submarines can affect delivered to key suppliers. future safety of the crew has been welcomed Babcock Safety Performance by DE&S and Royal Navy submariners. Improvement Manager, Collwyn Griffiths, The course is run by Babcock at said:“The input and impact of having Royal Devonport for those working in its Navy presenters has been a key success Submarines Business Unit factor – hearing real life experiences brings Content was developed by a team of the message to life, and makes the potential subject matter experts, with input from consequences of decisions or actions all the training, quality, dockyard and reactor test more real by developing an empathy and organisations, production, and behavioural relationship with submariners. psychology, as well as from submariners. “The courses bring value to Babcock, the First of the one-day courses were Royal Navy and the MOD, by continuing high held last autumn for up to 40 delegates quality of work undertaken and helping to and will run for up to a year to include all maximise safety on the UK’s submarines.” Above: a course gets underway at Babcock news 29

Programme steps up –

Sealing the deal: and is value for money Ken Tait, deputy head of DE&S' A three-year contract for Contract award followed Defence Core the hosting and application a competition using a cross- Network management of Purchase Government framework. As Services to Payment (P2P) has been Capgemini is the current programme, awarded to Capgemini – the first supplier of P2P, there will be no on the left, is contract under the Defence Core noticeable change for P2P users. pictured with Network Services programme. Delivery teams and Defence Capgemini's P2P is the MOD’s strategic eProcurement Services as the Andy e-purchasing tool which enables business owners have provided Whatman electronic ordering, receipting invaluable support to the Project and invoicing of goods and Emporium team which has been services and enables the MOD working hard to ensure that to conduct its business with P2P continues to be managed industry. after the July 2013 expiry date of Defence Electronic Commerce Service. The new contract represents a significant step for the programme and a value for UK repeats commitment money solution which has been delivered on time against challenging timeframes. to the Lightning II Vicki Dorey, Emporium project manager, said: “Placing of this contract was only achieved following a lot of hard work by many people within Information Systems and Services, who were under considerable pressure to deliver against an extremely tight deadline. “Their endeavours mean that P2P will continue 48 first, more later, MPs are told seamlessly from one contract to the next, with the added bonus of Above: ZM136, the second UK Lightning II, is pictured in the US where trials are taking place saving 15 per cent on current P2P The UK remains committed Equipment Plan which is He said: “The savings will costs to achieve to buying at least 48 of the F-35 expected to cost £153 billion over come from not needing so the cost reductions Lightning II aircraft – the Joint that time. The issue of whether much warehousing and stock imposed upon the Strike Fighter – MOD Permanent extra aircraft would be ordered management. DCNS programme.” Project Secretary Jon Thompson has told would be considered in the next “We spend around £275 Emporium is the House of Commons Defence Strategic Defence Review. million or thereabouts on now focused on Committee. He said in uncorrected warehousing, distribution and developing the He told MPs: “Our evidence on the committee’s so on. options for future commitment over the first ten website that he had three “That is the number where defence application years is for 48, which was part priorities – battle-winning you can make an annual hosting services, including the of the announcements last May Armed Forces, a professional recurring saving because you design of a DCNS in relation to the reversion to Ministry of Defence and hard- are not buying so much stock, applications STOVL (the short take off vertical headedness about resources. you are not storing so much stock services tower, landing version of the next Controls introduced from and then you are not ultimately while Defence generation aircraft). 1st April last year had already disposing of it. That is where you Information “Over time, we would expect reduced the current year’s can save money for the taxpayer. Services Team the number to rise to beyond expenditure by the MOD on “We would expect that to colleagues over the coming months three figures, but that would be inventory by half a billion pounds reduce fairly significantly. It can will ensure smooth in the second decade,” he said. on an annual spend of roughly never be zero, because we will transition to the Mr Thompson explained £2 billion, but he explained that always have to manage some new contractual to MPs that the 48 aircraft this money did not fall within the stock, but I would expect it to be arrangements. are included in the ten-year MOD’s budget. in the high tens.” 30 news Force 2020 to have equipment ‘Nato will be envious of’

Armed The Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards has Forces said in a speech to the Royal chief United Services Institute that by 2020 the UK will have equipment points to that many of his fellow Nato Chiefs of Defence, would be a bright envious of. The Royal Navy would equipment have a world class carrier We must capability with Lightning II resist the pressure future combat aircraft on board, Type that has shrunk the number of 45 destroyers on patrol, Type platforms. Clearly that will mean 26 frigates in production and rethinking the Navy, including Astute class attack submarines. examining the case for ships The RAF would have new that may have a limited role in Chinook Mk 6 helicopters, general war. bringing the total Chinook “As the concept develops we force to 60, Typhoon Tranche will look to acquire ships that 'The Navy keeps the arteries of trade in 3 combat aircraft, as well as range from top-end war fighting the global economy from hardening': HMS the Lightning II and Atlas and elements through potentially to Monmouth's Lynx is pictured in the Gulf Voyager air transport and more vessels tailored to separate air-to-air refuelling aircraft, but important tasks, to be Below: Scout and Apache underpinned by the increased deployed on a range of routine C-17 fleet; non-warfighting duties. The Army “The Army too is changing. would have Once we come out of the combat Scout vehicles, role in Afghanistan at the end upgraded Warrior, of 2014, it will cease to be on Challenger, permanent rotation with the and Apache burdens that imposes. Like the helicopters to Navy, these land forces must be provide improved equipped to pack a punch but reconnaissance, war fighting is not all they’re for. mobility and “Though more conceptual firepower; work is needed, given the And Airseeker importance of the region and other critical and clear Prime Ministerial platforms would intent, I envisage two or more ensure the Armed adaptable brigades forming Forces had close tactical level relationships better situational with particular countries in the awareness Gulf and Jordan, for example, equipment than allowing for better co-operation ever. with their forces. Should the He said: “As the Prime need arise for another Libya- Minister has put it, the Navy style operation, we will be ‘keeps the arteries of trade prepared.” of the global economy from For the RAF, Sir David hardening’. said the rate of technological “The Royal Navy will advance was most keenly felt on continue to grow in importance. air platforms. “Remotely piloted As our carrier capability comes air systems and novel anti-air into service it will be a key part defences have changed our of our diplomatic, humanitarian understanding of both what it and military strategy prepared means to fight and defend. to overcome the toughest “We must not allow military challenges. This is its sacred cows – such as the raison d’être. But I know it will indispensability of on-board be used for much more.” pilots – to rule the day. The “In the future, the Chief Chief of the Air Staff is leading of the Naval Staff and I have a the change. By giving ‘wings’ vision for a Navy which procures to UAV pilots the RAF is ships differently allowing us to recognising the capability of the have more, not fewer platforms. platform and skill of the pilot.” news 31 Fuel efficiency that adds up

– that’s the aim of PowerFOB

A second phase of trials to test trials took place at Episkopi in Cyprus The Microgrid can be scaled as required, technologies which will reduce through as its heat and humidity is similar to with ‘units’ of the equipment able to ‘daisy life costs and improve operational Afghanistan. Trials in Kenya featured chain’. flexibility through increased fuelthree semi-operational bases, a main base Results have shown that generator efficiency at remote operating bases has at Simba for 500 people, a smaller forward running time can be reduced considerably been a success. base and a workshop similar to a patrol with a corresponding reduction in fuel Data from the three-month trial base. consumption, maintainence and noise. in Kenya, along with previous trials The trials developed the Microgrid The Microgrid also offers a back up power in Cyprus, will be analysed to explore System which uses banks of lead batteries supply for when the primary power source benefits of combining existing diesel to store excess electrical power produced has failed. generators with batteries to reduce by the generator(s). When the battery bank This simple idea is enhanced by reliance on fossil fuels. is fully charged, an intelligent generator incorporation of demand management UK Forces use around a billion management system switches off the (prioritisation of electrical loads: for litres of diesel a year. Forces at Forward generator, delivering electrical power example medical equipment and ISTAR) Operating Bases (FOBs), training areas from battery storage until the batteries and of integrated renewables appropriate and temporary bases burn fuel in diesel require re-charging and the generator is to the deployed environment. generators to provide electricity. The cost run again for another cycle. This work has been used to develop of fuel, complex logistics in transporting The Microgrid is flexible, and can part of a Defence Standard called the diesel and the burden on personnel makes use power from a range of sources Generic Base Architecture which will generating power expensive. including solar and wind to offset energy apply to all future equipment for deployed A team from DE&S Director Technical demand and the need for diesel. It is bases. – Technology Delivery has worked with being developed with interoperability in PowerFOB equipment will be on industry to develop a project called mind – to make the system ‘plug and play’ display during national climate week 4th- PowerFOB. It is aimed at finding efficient with a range of power-consuming and 8th March. Further details from DESPTG- alternatives to fossil fuels. First phase power-producing military equipment. TD-LogSys1a.

Latest senior appointments announced in the Armed Forces

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach is has announced senior appointments in the to be appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Armed Forces. Staff, in succession to General Sir Nicholas Admiral Sir George Zambellas, left, is Houghton in May. to be appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of Lieutenant General Richard Barrons the Naval Staff, in succession to Admiral is to be promoted General and appointed Sir Mark Stanhope in April 2013. Commander Joint Forces Command, in Air Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, succession to Air Chief Marshal Peach in right, is to be promoted Air Chief Marshal April. and appointed Chief of the Air Staff, A new Chief of the Defence Staff will in succession to Air Chief Marshal Sir be announced next month and new Chief of Stephen Dalton in July. the General Staff in due course. 32 news

Team Puma signs up to new ways of working

Teamwork: Team Puma members pictured with Gazelle and Puma helicopters at Eurocopter UK

Senior management from a DE&S Gazelle in the hangar. The event took place Group Captain Malcolm French, DE&S team and its industry partner have met to at the same time as delivery of one of the P2G leader, said: “This event has had a establish new ways of working to deliver first Puma HC Mk2 to Eurocopter UK’s positive impact on my team, who now the Puma HC Mk2 helicopter. premises. feel more able to resolve issues with DE&S’ Puma 2 Gazelle team and It was hosted by Ian Craddock, Head their counterparts and to see how their Eurocopter UK have developed a Team of Helicopters 2, and Markus Steinke, individual day-to-day efforts contribute Puma charter to improve their relationship. Managing Director of Eurocopter UK, who to the Puma HC Mk2 and Gazelle The charter was launched at explained what the charter would mean. capabilities.” Eurocopter’s facility in Kidlington, which Themes include focus on delivery, personal The next major milestone for the allowed staff to meet their opposite ownership and collective effort, echoing programme is the Puma HC Mk2 Release to numbers and to see a Puma HC Mk2 and wider Defence Transformation themes. Service, scheduled for May. BRITISH INGENUITY. PROVIDING NEXT GENERATION DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE TO HM FORCES...

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Creating an effective workspace environment news 33 Risk aware – yes risk averse – no Safety is always high on the DE&S agenda. Major General Carew Wilks, Director Land Equipment, argues for a sense of proportion in risk management

My commitment is to ensure responsibility to ensure that the full ‘equipment delivered by my range of equipment from tents to tanks Operating Centre is safe throughout we deliver to the Front Line Commands its lifecycle. This safety can only be is safe for its intended use. This is a assured through the use of an effective duty I take extremely seriously – not safety management system – and the only is it the right (moral) thing to do fundamental foundation upon which but there is a clear legal requirement, this is built is ALARP – As Low As and effective safety management It is, of course, an Reasonably Practicable. makes good financial sense. iterative process so we undertake In the MOD a safety risk is ALARP Risk management is a key part continuous performance monitoring when it has been demonstrated that of safety management – where risk and review to make sure that nothing the cost of any further risk reduction, management can be broken down into has changed. including the loss of a defence capability three broad questions: Safety management should not as well as financial or other resource be onerous and the essential guide of costs, is grossly disproportionate to ‘proportionality’ must be employed in the benefit obtained where safety risk o Risk identification and analysis – our overall management of risk. is a measure of exposure to possible who is it going to harm and how?; We are and must remain risk aware human harm. It is MOD policy that so as not to imperil those affected by o Risk assessment – how severe is the equipment must not be used unless risk and is it ALARP yet?; our equipment – but we can never be all safety risks have been assessed as totally risk averse. In the real world ALARP. o Risk control – how can we reduce risk to life exists – but we continuously That’s the technical definition. But the risk further until finally it is at a level work to ensure that our equipment this is what it means to me. I have the that we can tolerate? does not add to it.’

One year on – new approach sees science and technology on the front foot

One year on from the “We will also take action to science and technology spending publication of the National protect our operational advantage by publicising our spend by Security Through Technology and freedom of action, but only domain on the Defence Science White Paper – which replaced where this is essential for national and Technology Laboratory's the 2005 Defence Industrial security. Much of our focus is website. The work of the Centre Strategy and 2006 Defence now on how we embed those for Defence Enterprise has been Technology Strategy – good considerations into our strategic bolstered, and it now holds both progress is being made in balance of investment decision defence and security-themed embedding the new approach. making. calls, as well as marketplace and Industry reaction to “We have updated the showcase events. the White Paper has been Acquisition Operating Framework, “Work is also underway with mixed, acknowledging Smart approvals and training other departments about how competition and off the courses. An action plan is in place to improve support to defence shelf procurement are to encourage small-and-medium exports, including making already part of the MOD’s sized enterprises (SMEs) to fulfil exportability a consideration approach, while welcoming their potential in responding particularly in the early stages of government action to to defence requirements, for the acquisition cycle.” encourage UK defence example introducing an e-enabled The White Paper and security companies to template for lower-value implementation is part of fulfil DE&S requirements contracts.” wider defence transformation and to export successfully. Mr Hamilton added: “We programme, that includes Paul Hamilton, Head of are forging better links and implementation of Levene, Industrial Policy, said: “The White understanding of SMEs through Materiel Strategy and Lord Paper’s core message was that the SME Forum chaired by the Currie’s review of single-source Above: Paul wherever possible we will fulfil Minister for Defence Equipment, procurement. Further information Hamilton, Head of the UK’s defence requirements Support and Technology. is available from DECS-IP- Industrial Policy through open competition to “We have given industry group(multiuser) or telephone obtain best value for money. increased transparency about our 0207 2184113. 34 news

Benefits from a treaty which allows US defence articles to be exported to the UK without an export licence are to be Teams to learn benefits of US/UK treaty explained to DE&S teams. The US/UK Defense Trade Co-operation Treaty came into force last April and More transactions are expected benefit from the ITAR exemption under enables certain US articles to be exported involving other US/UK Government certain circumstances. More companies to the UK without a licence under the programmes. are expected to join as awareness and International Traffic in Arms Regulations Under the treaty a UK Approved understanding of the treaty increases. (ITAR). Community (AC) has been established, DES’ International Relations Group will The treaty also aims to enhance which DE&S teams are already members host a seminar in the Lecture Theatre at interoperability and get equipment to the of. Abbey Wood on 7th February from 10.30am- front line quicker. The UK defence industry is also 12.30 to explain how the treaty operates The first live Government to supporting the principles of the treaty and and how it might be able to support project Government transaction involving five companies have so far joined the AC teams in undertaking their US business Airseeker took place at RAF Waddington with more than 20 other applications being more efficiently. last December demonstrating that the processed. Places can be booked on e-solutions treaty can and does work. Companies in the AC can also http://mou.isg-r.r.mil.uk/eSolutions/

Nineteen MOD and industry students attended the fourth Civilian Submarine Qualification Getting up to speed Course arranged by Abbey Wood’s Submarines Workforce Management team and run by the Royal Navy Submarine Service at Devonport. in the world of subs The mix of graduates and apprentices from Abbey Wood, Devonport, and Babcock are about to embark on an engineering career in submarine design and maintenance. The course is based on the Royal Navy’s submarine qualification course for new service recruits. Over two weeks students received lectures on submarine safety, construction, weapons, sensors, propulsion and internal systems. Additionally they visited several simulators used by the Royal Navy to provide a realistic training environment. The students also spent time on board HMS Turbulent and HMS Tireless. Warrant Officer 1 Stephen Course students and trainers Mooney, the Submarine Qualification line up at Devonport Training Officer, said: “Royal Navy submarine qualifications take part in two stages. We conduct the dry phase here and teach recruits how submarines systems work and all Programme the routines which are carried out onboard. “They then move onto the wet stakeholders phase, which takes place on a submarine at sea. The training course get together for the civilian students is aimed at giving them a similar insight, to help them understand how we operate so The Future Local Area Air that they can use that knowledge in Defence System (FLAADS) team their future careers”. has held a stakeholder event in Duncan Westlake, Submarines Bristol. Workforce Management team Representatives from across the MOD, MBDA and its leader, added “Students gain a supply chain were welcomed by Adrian Birch (leader of DE&S’ Short Range Air Defence team) and Nick Neale (MBDA’s FLAADS(M) project director) with comprehensive insight into the opening presentations highlighting the transformations which are taking place within the technical difficulties associated with Team Complex Weapons Programme. designing, building and maintaining Key messages included the need for greater commonality of weapon systems; the ability today’s highly complex submarine to deliver to the front line in shorter timescales more capable weapon systems to counter platforms. This opportunity will increasingly sophisticated threats; and the shared benefits of successful export campaigns. serve all the students very well as Sea Ceptor is the first element of the FLAADS programme which will replace Seawolf on they progress through their careers the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates and will be the principal air defence system for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. and further develop their specific Variants of this new air defence system are planned to replace Rapier for the British skills.” Army and provide the RAF with an upgrade to the ASRAAM missile. n Apprentice success: page 37 people news 35

DSRA LOTTERY WINNERS NOVEMBER 2012

Bonus £20,000: Kelly Harvey (Dstl). £10,000: Jason Fry (Abbey Wood). £5,000: Patricia Hassan (Foxhill). £2,000: Jane Gregory (Abbey Wood). £1,000: Tracey Humphreys (Donnington). £500: Ruth Slater (Abbey Wood). £300: Craig Bainbridge (Abbey Wood), Martin Friel (Glasgow), Carol Cleverly (RNAS Yeovilton), Graham Clay (Liverpool). £200: Starter for ten: Ed gets ready for his school 'grilling' Lindsay Freeman (Tidworth), Thomas Brooks Ed Dunlop didn’t quite know what he’d let himself in (RNAD Coulport), for when he volunteered to go on the radio. Daniel Love The Warrant Officer from British Forces Post Office BFPO’s Ed (Glasgow), Bradley found himself in front of the microphone and being Scott (Beith), grilled by a phalanx of ‘reporters’. Jim Spendley Healthland Primary School in Harrow, north (Aldershot), Susan London, was looking for people to talk about what it’s helps the Nourse (Chilwell), like to work at Christmas. Robert Lakin They have their own school radio station which (MDP Hereford), produces a programme every half term and is run by Kathryn Dymond Year 5 pupils (9-10 year olds). young (Plymouth), Alongside a local vicar and a paramedic, Ed Anne Riglar described what it’s like to work over the festive period – (Corsham), Susan the highs and the lows. Knott (Menwith The children did all the interviews and the results tune in Hill), Lynda were impressive. Holloway (DSG). They asked some very £100: Edward thoughtful questions Bentley (MDP and were genuinely Clyde’s firefighters have been Marchwood), interested in what it’s like putting 15-year-old Lauren Wilks Kenneth McIntyre to be working away from through her paces. (Glasgow), Giles During her week-long work families at such a special Cowling (Dstl), time. experience with the Defence Fire Service at Faslane last month Robert Callow Ed said: “It was a Lauren worked with breathing (Babcock), great experience working apparatus, performed ladder James Callaway with the children in our drills, first aid, and was tutored on (Dstl), Enfys local community. A real how firefighters deal with traffic Davies (Cosford), privilege. collisions. Bridget Morrison Lauren decided she wanted to “I was impressed by (Andover), the facilities that the school spend her work experience with the Fire Service after seeing a TV Michele Steele had and with the level programme on how responses (Donnington), of professionalism the incidents. David Bartlett kids showed; both on the “I saw it and thought I would (Corsham), David technical side of producing like a go,” said Lauren. “It appealed McGuill (Beith), a radio programme and to me because it is a hands-on Zoe West (RAF job and you are helping people,” with their questions. Henlow), Pamela she said. Her mum is an MOD “During my 24 years civil servant while Dad is an ex- Garcia (Abbey service I have been submariner. Wood), Douwine interviewed quite a few Lauren feels the Clyde’s 28-strong force is split Phelps (Headley times for TV, radio and into four watches available 24 Court), Kenneth newspaper articles and I heat on first steps hours a day to respond to incidents Lindsay (Abbey can honestly say that these at the military site. Wood), Claire kids would have given some to a new career Lauren is goalkeeper with Glasgow Rangers’ under 17s team. Edwards (Abbey of the professionals a run Wood). for their money.” 36 people news

Ships’ staff keep totting up the awards

As awa rds for DE&S’ contribution to the success of the London Olympics continue to be made, Commander Right: Mike Toft has been awarded a Phillip Standing Joint Commander’s Jackson Commendation by General Sir Nick Parker, for his contribution to Operation Olympics. As the senior military representative Mike led a combined Phillip Jackson has been presented force of 200 Royal Navy, Royal with a Director Ships People Award for his key role in the Type 45 class output Marine and Army Reserve personnel management logistics team. ensuring security of the sailing venue Chief Petty Officer Jackson received in Weymouth. his award from Tony Graham for working to Mike, of Maritime Combat improve the delivery of logistic services to Systems, liaised with external the destroyer class. stakeholders including Games His work ethic impressed BAE Systems and dramatically improved quality of data organisers, G4S, Police and local and processes, evidenced in the design and authorities. He also hosted VIP guests prototyping for the web-based S82 ships – from David Cameron to Royalty Mike Toft, holder of a Standing Joint demand tracker and the S145 low priority including the Princess Royal and the Commander's Commendation database. Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Andy earns long service Road safety is on the reward MOD Policeman Andy right track at Clyde Palmer has received a Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Slower speeds equal happy for protecting Plymouth people – that was the theme at naval base and providing Clyde’s Road Safety Week. security nationwide, MOD Police spread the including at the London message to Faslane and Olympics. Coulport staff, organising The marine unit constable based at events to educate drivers and Devonport received his pedestrians. award from MOD Police “With winter here it was the Assistant Chief Constable perfect time to try and get our David Allard. road safety messages across,” The proud moment said PC William Lavery, Crime was shared by Andy’s wife and four-year-old Reduction and Community son. Andy said: “It was Safety Officer with the MOD particularly important Police. that such a landmark “One of the tools we used was shared with my wife was a seat belt sledge which and son. We thoroughly mimics the physical forces enjoyed the occasion”. placed on the body during a Andy who has completed 21 years police low-speed collision and shows service joined the MOD how effective seat belts are.” police in 1991 having Fellow Community Safety served with the Royal Officer, PC Jim Slack, added: Navy for seven years as an “Another popular device was engineering mechanic. He the desk top driving simulator transferred to Devonport which can test driver reactions in 1995, eventually joining the marine unit in 1998. to different scenarios. He is also team leader “With the recent inclement given the opportunity to attend They are, from left, Scott of a group deployed with weather it was more important road safety talks. Parents at Dolan of SD Roofing, Chief colleagues to assist that ever to get out and about the Clyde creche were also Inspector Des Kennedy, with policing protests at and urge people to stay safe on provided with expert checks of competition winners Carole demonstrations across the the road.” child safety seats. McGuinness and Andrew country. Staff were also given free Some of the organisers of Williams, Crime Reduction Andy spent five weeks on secondment to support tyre safety checks. Road Safety Week at Clyde Officer William Lavery and security at the London People living at Churchill are pictured, above, with Superintendant Weapons at Olympics and Paralympics. Estate in Helensburgh were competition winners. Coulport John Spy. people news 37 Apprentices celebrate success

First year Josh is toast of the south west . . . dE&S apprentice Josh Campbell the Babcock Group took the award for its is the toast of the south west after an work at Devonport dockyard. outstanding first year in his work. The annual EEF awards recognise Josh joined DE&S apprentice achievements in engineering and colleagues Bradley Merchant, Georgia manufacturing industry and are in their McCarthy and Mike Barnes at the south fourth year. west regional final of the Engineering All 37 phase one apprentices from Employers Foundation (EEF) Future DE&S could apply for the awards, with Manufacturing Awards in Bristol. six being put forward to the EEF for All four, pictured right, were selection. The final four apprentices nominated for the Outstanding were chosen to go forward to interviews Achievement by a First Year Apprentice in the autumn Award. EEF, formerly the Engineering Josh took the south west award for Employers Foundation, provides his exemplary academic efforts during businesses with advice, guidance and phase one of his apprenticeship but support in employment law, employee also for his positive attitude towards relations, health, safety, climate engineering. and environment, information Runner up for the award was Jade and research and occupational Harrison of Cobham. health. It also delivers training and In the People Management sector consultancy in the UK and overseas.

The latest trainees at Ply mout h , . . . while Devonport youngsters have been presented with their training qualifications. Eleven passed out of Devonport's MOD earn their training rewards Technician Apprenticeship Scheme and were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Back, from left: HMS Drake’s Wardroom by base commander Chris Warn Commodore Graeme Little. (Apprentice Chris Warn, apprentice development Development manager for Devonport, said: “This is an ideal Manager), Kevin opportunity for Commodore Little to present Swan, Scott the final deeds certificates to those passing out Webber, Laura of the scheme. Holmes, Shaun Rich, Capt “In addition, he has awarded performance Chris Saxby prizes to those apprentices currently in their (Superintendent second and final years and welcomed those Fleet joining the scheme. Maintenance). “The apprenticeship in Devonport gets Front: Sam better and better; the lessons learned by those Rapson, Paul passing out today and the staff who helped to Gilbert (SADM), make that happen will enable us to refine the Cdre Graeme programme to provide an ever-improving Little, Ross Ambrose, Rob scheme.” Craven The ceremony marks the first passing out of Band D engineering support service managers to work in the dockyard. The Devonport scheme, started in 2009, aims to make the most of the superb training environment based on the waterfront. Its success is due to the hard work and support of the business areas and the majority of the apprentices have now passed into these same areas as qualified workers at various grades. Three of the apprentices have already moved to Abbey Wood taking their maritime knowledge and experience with them. The presentation saw the award of performance prizes for the 2010 and 2011 entries. Richard Griffiths and Joanna Ash were selected for the top HNC student and noteworthy contribution to the MOD prizes. Stuart Redford and Bart Smorag were DE&S’ Artillery Systems team raised £213 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity from a selected for the top National Diploma and best bake off on 14th January. Twenty six entries included cookies, tarts and buns with Performing Engineering Operations awards some cakes in the shape of equipment the team supplies and supports. while Ross Ambrose received the Apprentice Development Manager’s prize. 38 people news Admiral leads way in DE&S roll of honour

The head of DE&S’ Fleet operating centres was ‘speechless’ as he was told of his knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list. Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mathews headed a lengthy list of DE&S staff, miltary and civilian, who were honoured in the traditional New Year’s Day announcements. “On 10th December the First Sea Lord slid an envelope across his office table to me, looked me in the eyes and said: ‘its good news’,” he recalled last month. “And it was,” he added. “I was speechless. It is a huge honour and particularly special as my wife Beverley gets recognition for all the support she has given me and the Navy for the last 30 years.” KCB Sir Andrew’s honour was good Vice Admiral Andrew Mathews Chief of Materiel Fleet news for the Fleet’s operating centres, CB where Rear Admiral Simon Lister, Rear Admiral Simon Lister Director Submarines Director Submarines, becomes a Major General Ian Copeland Director Joint Support Chain Companion in the Order of the Bath. Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young Director Technical Other leading military figures at DE&S joining the Rear Admiral with CBE a similar honour were Major General Major General Peter Fox Director Customer Design Ian Copeland as Director Joint Support OBE Chain and Air Vice-Marshal Julian Lt Col Ian Comerford Combat Wheels Group, Protected Mobility Team Young, recently appointed as Director Lt Col Robin Smith CO 24 Regiment RLC Technical. Mrs Anthea Dolman-Gair Elsewhere there were a raft of Mr David Penlington Force Protection Delivery OBEs and MBEs, including a number for staff who earned their honours for MBE their work with DE&S but who have Chief Tech David Briggs Joint Strike Fighter Task Force USA now moved on. Mr Christopher Page Sea King project team These included Lt Col Robin Smith, Major Darren Fisher OC 421 Squadron now the commanding officer of 24 Flt Sgt Derek Smith 8 Squadron RAF Waddington Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, but Major Kenneth Baker Individual Capability Group, Personal Combat Equipment who was rewarded for his work with Lt Col Paul Edwards Joint Support Chain Logistics Plans in the Joint Support Sq Ldr Tal Lambert Network Technical Authority Assurance (Air) Chain. BEM Likewise for Major Darren Fisher, Mr Mark Grinnall Counter Terrorist Centre Science Gateway now commanding officer of 421 Squadron but rewarded for his work Non State Awards – industry (sponsored by DE&S) in the ISTAR operating centre with OBE Special Projects SCM. Dr V Misfud (Cobham) And also Flight Sergeant MBE Derek Smith of 8 Squadron at RAF Mr W Cambridge (Ultra) Waddington who earned his award Mr N Main (Selex Elsag) while with DE&S’ Harrier project team. Mr H Pitchforth (KBR)

An MBE for work on the UK/US relationship

A newly-retired Royal Navy officer years of service, on various submarines has been presented with his MBE at followed by shore appointments, Buckingham Palace. finishing as officer-in-charge of Clyde’s Lieutenant Commander Stuart Strategic Weapons Support Building. Hobson, 55, was given the award in Stuart now works for Lockheed the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his Martin UK Strategic Systems at Coulport dedication to the UK’s continuous at as programme requirements manager. sea deterrent and helping to promote He was accompanied to the relations between the Royal Navy and ceremony by wife Wendy, and their three US Navy. children, Chris, Nick and Emma, pictured He left the Royal Navy after 38 left. people news 39

Trevor earns his Imperial medal

Trevor Hunter from Plymouth has been presented with the Imperial Service Order Medal for a long and meritorious civil service career with naval reservists. Trevor, an administration officer at the Plymouth-based Maritime

Teams’ efforts help Reserves Unit, HMS Vivid, for the last support Legion work 17 years received the medal on his retirement from the civil service. The medal was presented to Trevor by Commander Ian Pethick, Members of the Short Range Air Defence team to Royal Wootton Bassett to present above left, commanding officer of HMS Vivid. (SHORAD) and Maritime and Air Weapons the cheque to the Royal British Legion. (MAWS) teams have visited the Royal Hopefully the money will go some way to o The Maritime Equipment British Legion in Royal Wootton Bassett to help the branch continue its fantastic work Transformation team raised nearly present £1,000. supporting serving and ex-servicemen and £460 from its Movember activities Each year the combined teams’ charity women for the future.” to help fight prostate and testicular committee nominates worthy causes with Last year the teams donated £1,000 to cancer. Lyn Richardson of SHORAD picking the the Cotswold Care Hospice and Paul Sartori This was achieved through men from across MET growing Wootton Bassett branch for 2012. Foundation. moustaches despite much ‘ribbing’ Money was raised by a weekly bonus Team members at the presentation, from their colleagues. ball draw, raffles, quizzes and one member above, included Lyn Richardson, Hayley Money was raised through completing the Bristol half marathon. Timms, Lt Greason, Warrant Officer 2 sponsorship from friends, colleagues Lt Paul Greason of SHORAD said: “It is a Craig Walkington, Chief Petty Officer Jess and families plus 50p an insult from huge privilege to be able to bring some of the Chapman and Chief Tech Chris Clawson. colleagues. DINs - released this month Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs) are defence-wide instructions, guidance and notices for military and civilian staff, containing up-to-the-minute information to help people carry out their duties. Some of the latest issued on Defence Equipment and Support are:

2013DIN04-004: With effect from last November JSP 505 – The Management of Test Equipment came into force. Annex A to this DIN details all test equipment-related Defence Council Instructions and DINs which have been cancelled by this instruction.

2013DIN01-003: This DIN provides details of the revised process for promotion into the Senior Civil Service. Vacancies will be advertised using the Civil Service Competency Framework to be introduced this April. An early adopter version will be available before then.

2013DIN05-001: A new policy is being developed on Defence Health Records (DHR) to cover all aspects of health and healthcare information on personnel for whom a DHR will be raised, and the exchange of information to and from that DHR between the MOD and external organisations.

Further information and more details on the latest DINs see: http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Reference/DINsJSPs/Pages/DINsindex2013.aspx