August 2017 Issue 109

Royal International Air Tattoo round-up special THE DE&S WAY THE BLUEPRINT OF THE ORGANISATION NOW AVAILABLE BY DOWNLOADING THE DESIDER APP

Search ‘Desider’ in your app store to download Also available for smartphones cover image Picture: Jack Eckersley

FOREWORD By Tony Douglas, CEO

had the great pleasure of attending BAE Systems Govan shipyard Pictured: Two RAF pilots on the wing of a in Scotland last month to witness Defence Secretary Sir Michael Hawk aircraft at RAF Fairford Fallon start manufacture on the Type 26 warship. IIn all there will be eight of these advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates that will provide essential protection to our nuclear deterrent and aircraf carriers. desider Only a few weeks earlier in Rosyth HMS Queen Elizabeth had gone on sea trials to worldwide acclaim and there was further www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2017 excitement in Govan when Sir Michael pushed the button to start the steel cut on the frst of these exceptional Type 26 frigates. Such a simple act to signal such an extraordinary moment. Editor: Tis was another huge step forward and the DE&S project team Tom Morris - 9352 37888 or 0117 9137888 behind Type 26 should be extremely proud of their achievements so [email protected] far. Reporters: Talking of achievements, I was heartened last month to hear that Laura Martin Plaza, Amy Marsh, Tom Knight, Emma many DE&S staf have been going above and beyond to spread the Lancaster, Hannah Wood and Louise Allford word of this excellent organisation. Numerous members of the Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and Photography and Design: Fast Air Support Team (FAST) project teams gave up many hours Andrew Linnett, Charlie Perham, Jack Eckersley, of their own time to support this year’s UAS Challenge, which is Mark Hawke and Ally Bowman organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Distribution Manager: Tey make up 15 members of the team of 27 that organise and Dick Naughton - 9352 34342 or 0117 9134342 judge the event, which is aimed at developing professional engineers DES [email protected] and inspiring the next generation. Teir dedication is a credit to DE&S and will hopefully attract future employees. I was pleased too to hear that DE&S again had a strong presence at Bristol Pride promoting the organisation and the opportunities on ofer. I am delighted to hear this was our most positive year yet and that there was signifcant interest in DE&S and what roles are available. Tis determination to increase awareness of DE&S as far as possible will ensure that we can recruit the best talent available. Elsewhere DE&S apprentices from Defence Munitions Gosport have been showing of their talents. Staf at the Centre of Excellence Printing: in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) were so impressed with the model the apprentices made of a Sopwith Camel that they were asked to make another one to present to Princess Anne when she visited the college. I understand desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the the team dedicated 300 hours over the preceding nine weeks to the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be task and that the fnished brass model was truly impressive. sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence Other milestones that are worthy of note this month include the industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK. While the editor takes care to ensure all material signature of a six year contract worth £48 million to provide world- produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for leading military fying training to Apache attack helicopter crews out errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and to 2023. products and services advertised, are not necessarily Tere has been a £40 million investment in cutting-edge endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions technology to improve the defence of the RAF’s Typhoon fghter must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities with jets which will see the aircraf’s Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) content for advertorials to be cleared by the relevant MOD upgraded. project team before publication. And there were several announcements at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) including a £110 million contract to © Crown Copyright replace the centre wing box for the RAF’s Hercules C-130J aircraf and a £9.5 million contract to provide Typhoon pilots with the latest cockpit technology so simulation exercises prepare them as This magazine is produced on Cocoon thoroughly as possible for front line combat. Silk 100gsm which contains 50 per cent recycled and de-inked pulp from post Keep up the good work! consumer waste and Forest Stewardship Council certifed material from well-managed forests. desider August 2017 3 SENIOR LEADER COMMENT

06 Nigel Shaw, DE&S’ new Chief Information Officer, talks to Desider about his whirlwind start, exciting opportunities and protecting the organisation against cyber attacks

NEWS

07 Simply the best: New £48 million contract ensures Apache attack helicopter crews will continue to receive world-leading military flying training out to 2023

08 Start of something special: DE&S CEO Tony Douglas joins Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon in Glasgow for Type 26 steel cut

14 Protecting our pilots: Around £40 million invested in cutting-edge technology to improve the defence of the RAF’s Typhoon fighter jets

15 Royal appointment: DE&S Gosport apprentices present Princess Anne with brass model of a Sopwith Camel after wowing engineering tutors

16 Credit to the company: DE&S staff dedicate their time to developing and inspiring the next generation by supporting this year’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Challenge

18 Breaking down barriers: The DE&S Executive Committee sign the Time to Change Pledge to emphasise a commitment to removing the stigma and discrimination attached to mental health in the workplace 08

22 Celebrating the best: Desider meets the DE&S Army Contingent Operational Stocks team who ensure that the Army are able to deploy at a moment’s notice

23 RIAT round up: All the announcements at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

28 Quality collaboration: DE&S joins forces with industry to jointly invest £16.8 million in two tracking radars, to be installed on St Kilda, and upgrade two existing radars at MOD Hebrides

15

4 desider August 2017 NEWS

33 Breathe easy: DE&S team delivers innovative air detection systems to protect our Armed Forces from a biological warfare attack when deployed overseas

FEATURES

12 Front Line Focus: Desider spoke to Viking Squadron and the Royal Marines in Taunton to see what they think about Viking, which was regenerated under a DE&S contract

20 Unearthing a gem: DE&S staff unearth priceless historical ledger outlining in detail the supply and maintenance logistics that

supported Operation Overlord – which AUGUST 2017 launched on D-Day

REGULARS

26 First Person – Head of the Land Domain and Army Customer Support Team Brigadier Doug Gibson on having a brilliant team, the keys to success and the joy of home brewing beer

29 Jobs – Desider’s latest recruitment pages

32 60 Second spotlight – DE&S Technology and Innovation Strategy Lead Holli Kimble on learning from others, her love of a challenge and her passion for travel

34 DE&S People – Eric Clarke and Tony Dudman discuss their long and distinguished careers in the MOD, DE&S make their presence felt at Bristol Pride 20 and DE&S apprentices learn from the best

16 Inside

desider August 2017 5 SENIOR LEADER COMMENT

Nigel Shaw, DE&S’ new Chief Information Ofcer, talks to Desider about getting to grips with his role, his frst impressions of the organisation and developing an IT structure for the future

Setting the future IT strategy and“ having a clear view of what IT should look like within DE&S is what I'm looking forward to the most ” Picture: Jack Eckersley

joined DE&S on July 3, 2017, on ensuring we have the right people in the right the function, making sure it’s correctly appointment to Chief Information Ofcer positions to achieve all of this. resourced and giving staf clear objectives are (CIO). Setting the future IT strategy and having all crucial elements in helping us achieve our IT is is my frst introduction to working a clear view of what IT should look like aims over the coming year. within the MOD and it's been a whirlwind within DE&S is what I'm looking forward to Of course, this isn’t the frst time I’ve worked start. I've spent a lot of time meeting key the most. Tere’s already been a lot of good for such a large and complex organisation. people across the organisation, learning about work made in this area which we can build Prior to joining DE&S, I worked for 30 years the business and current IT landscape and also on. Te business is constantly changing, with on the supply side of the IT industry, with fnding my way around the Abbey Wood site. increasing fnancial demands and constantly 25 of those spent delivering government An early conclusion is that we need an app for evolving technology. contracts. I've looked afer the IT estates for navigating the site! As such, this isn’t something you can do some demanding customers, including the Met Te scope of the CIO role is now wider once and then leave in the drawer. Police around the time of the 7/7 bombings. than it was in the past. As well as managing Every IT strategy needs refreshing regularly Helping them respond to those events our existing CIO team, I’m also leading the and it's something we absolutely must get right through the provision of extra IT support and Information Management & Information during this year, so that we can go into the thereafer improving their intelligence systems Technology (IM&IT) function. next fnancial year (18/19) with a clear, funded has been one of my proudest achievements. It's an exciting opportunity and one that I strategy. Now, my overriding objective as CIO is to can really get my teeth into. One of the things that attracted me to help us improve the support we provide to the I see my team driving six key change DE&S was the clear vision of the ongoing Armed Forces. Having the ability to make a streams: refreshing the future strategy for transformation programme. Transformation diference to those on the front line defending IM⁢ delivering the key projects, such as is absolutely needed in IM&IT and it’s my our country is a great honour and something P3M and MODNET Exploitation; stablising responsibility to enable this to happen. I’m very much looking forward to being a part our IT service delivery; ensuring security and My staf know signifcant improvements of during my DE&S career. our protection against cyber-attacks; setting are required and I've been impressed by their the right governance and compliance; and desire to do something about it. Establishing

6 desider August 2017 NEWS Apache contract signed

pache attack helicopter crews are set the ins and outs of their roles. efective battle-winning attack helicopter to beneft from a new multi-million For ground crew, training will include capability. Te contract also highlights just investment by the Ministry of Defence ground-handling, refuelling and rearming how successfully DE&S and industry can work A(MOD), which will ensure they continue to the Apache helicopter, while ATIL will also together to deliver the very best cost-efective receive world-leading military fying training provide a range of courses designed to provide capability for our military customers.” out to 2023. aircraf, avionics and armament engineering Te Apache helicopter, operated by the A six year contract worth £48 million staf with the necessary skills to keep an Army Air Corp, is a vital part of the British has been signed with Aviation Training aircraf as complex as the Apache fying. Army’s force. Te aircraf can operate in all International Ltd (ATIL) to provide the Air Vice-Marshal Graham Russell, Director weathers, day or night, and detect, classify training. Helicopters at DE&S said: “Our job at DE&S and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a Te contract with ATIL will sustain around is to make sure our front line forces have matter of seconds. It carries a mix of weapons 70 jobs with the company and will see around the right equipment, training and support including rockets, Hellfre missiles and a 700 personnel put through their paces to to enable them to deliver their challenging 30mm chain gun, as well as a state of the art complete training courses each year at Army missions and tasks. fully integrated defensive aid suite. Air Corps Middle Wallop and Wattisham. “Tis contract provides the full suite of From 2022, a new AH64E model of the Te courses will draw on a range of training services and equipment to enable helicopter will begin to enter service with techniques to deliver world-leading Apache aircrew, ground-crew and technicians the British Army: the new aircraf can carry instruction, from classroom learning and to train together the same way they work more weapons while being more fuel efcient, training on simulators, which will prepare together at the front line, thus ensuring allowing the Apache to operate in more personnel to join operational squadrons. that the Army Air Corps delivers the most demanding conditions for longer durations. Under the contract, all personnel who work on Apache – from the pilots to the teams who maintain the helicopter – will be taught about

Our job at DE&S is to make sure our front “line forces have the right equipment, training and support to enable them to deliver their challenging missions and tasks Graham Russell Director Helicopters Pictured: An Apache during a demonstration for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire last month ” desider August 2017 7 NEWS

Type 26 steel cut at Govan: a proud moment for DE&S

Pictured: DE&S CEO Tony Douglas arriving at Govan Right: BAE Systems’ workers await the steel cut, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon extols the virtues of the Type 26 class frigates

E&S CEO Tony Douglas joined Sir the frigates as well as remaining development Warfare frigate that will provide essential Michael Fallon in Glasgow to witness costs for the class and perform required protection to our nuclear deterrent and aircraf the Defence Secretary ceremoniously modifcations to the Govan and Scotstoun carriers, building on the pedigree of the Royal Dsignal the start of work on the Royal Navy’s shipyards. Navy’s current Type 23 frigates. Type 26 Frigates. Tony was joined at the event by Chief of Its fexible design will allow its weapon Sir Michael pressed the button to begin the Materiel (Ships) Sir Simon Bollom, Director systems to be adapted throughout its lifespan steel cut, at BAE System’s Govan shipyard, of Ships Acquisition Henry Parker and Type 26 to counter future threats. Te Type 26 the frst three frigates and revealed that the Programme Team Leader Mike Holstead. benefts from the latest advances in digital name of the frst ship would be HMS Glasgow “Tis is a very proud moment for all of technologies, including 3D and virtual reality, which would enter service with the Royal Navy those who have worked so hard to get the which ensures that the ship’s design is refned in the mid-2020s. manufacture of the Type 26 underway,” Tony earlier in the process. In total eight of the new generation of said during his visit to Govan. Sir Simon said: “Tis was truly a momentous cutting edge frigates will be built as part of “With the frst steel cut in Scotland and event. Te contract placed with BAE Systems a programme that will sustain 4,000 jobs in further work spread out across the UK supply is best practice and a phenomenal achievement Scotland and across the wider UK supply chain chain the Type 26 programme is truly a by the project team. for two decades. national endeavour harnessing all our skills “Te team should be very proud of this Te frst three ships are being built under a and knowledge to produce the best possible achievement. Te deal they have done is £3.7 billion contract signed at the beginning of ships for the Royal Navy.” innovative and delivers for both the Royal July. Te contract includes the manufacture of Te Type 26 is an advanced Anti-Submarine Navy and the vibrant workforce that we have

8 desider August 2017 NEWS

Type 26 steel cut at Govan: a proud moment for DE&S

Tis is a very proud moment for all of those“ who have worked so hard to get the manufacture of the Type 26 underway Tony Douglas DE&S CEO ”

Pictures: Jack Eckersley

up here.” hard work and commitment from the Ship and Canada. Henry said: “Tis was a really key date for Acquisition T26 team, wider DE&S, Navy Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: DE&S in what is a nationally important project Command and BAE Systems to make this key “Te steel cut marked a historic milestone that will employ thousands of people at its milestone possible. for the Royal Navy, Scottish shipbuilding and peak. “I’m sure I speak for all involved in the UK Defence more widely. HMS Glasgow and “I am incredibly proud of what the team at Type 26 Programme, both past and present, in the other seven frigates in this new class will DE&S has achieved and now we are chomping expressing considerable pride as we now begin protect our powerful new aircraf carriers and at the bit to get on with it, it’s incredibly the process of manufacturing these highly nuclear deterrent, helping keep Britain safe exciting. capable vessels. across the world. “Making warships is the biggest team “Tis is a ground breaking contract that “Te Type 26 is a cutting-edge warship that game on the planet and the role of DE&S incentivises all parties to perform, it will enable will maintain our naval power with a truly in controlling that activity is extremely us to demonstrate DE&S transformation global reach. Designed for a service life of at important.” in action and is a fantastic opportunity for least 25 years, the Type 26 frigates will form a Mike added: “I was delighted to attend the continued learning and sharing of best practice backbone of the future Royal Navy surface feet steel cutting ceremony for HMS Glasgow and amongst the Exemplar Project community.” well into the future.” witness the Secretary of State for Defence cut As a world-class ship, the Type 26 has strong steel on the frst Type 26 Frigate. Tis has export opportunities. BAE Systems and the been a massive team efort and I would like MOD are exploring these, with interest from to pay tribute to the considerable amount of international customers including Australia

desider August 2017 9 NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF SHIPS TEAM BREAKS GROUND Te DE&S Maritime Combat being supplied as a result of a Systems’ Underwater & Electronic competitive tendering process, Warfare (UEW) team have which is currently underway. taken the frst step towards Te combined result of these transforming maritime control projects will establish a secure hub capabilities in the territorial for a network of sensors around waters around Gibraltar. Gibraltar. Commander British Forces In addition to the main Gibraltar, Cdre Mike JD Walliker objective of the project, interim OBE, broke ground to formally benefts have been implemented begin construction of a new by UEW and Special Projects infrastructure that will deliver (SPFCM) teams. As well as new and enhanced around-the­ new detection capabilities, the clock capability to protect the facilities will enhance the RN sovereignty of the British waters. search, rescue and anti-smuggling Te infrastructure is planned operations in Gibraltar and for completion in 2019, with improve co-ordination with equipment for the infrastructure response assets. POPPY APPEAL 2017 LAUNCHED Tis year’s Bristol Poppy Appeal to the Poppy Appeal. will mark the 35th anniversary of MOD Abbey Wood Poppy the Falklands Confict. Appeal organiser Chris Della Te 74-day confict between Porta said: “Te signal fags are April 2 and June 14 1982 will very symbolic for all services be remembered by putting up involved during the confict International Signal Flag Hoists and were present on the Task around DE&S sites across the UK. Force ships as they returned to Te Flag Hoists will be created Portsmouth and Southampton by DE&S teams, as well as schools, from July to September 1982. colleges, universities, clubs and “Te ultimate aim is to raise local businesses. Tey will be £10,000 for the Poppy Appeal displayed at DE&S sites and at through the Flag Hoists alone.” Cabot Circus on Bristol Poppy Last year DE&S raised more Day, on Tursday, November 2. than £17,000 for the Poppy DE&S teams will have the Appeal. For information contact opportunity to sponsor their own Andy Markham at DESLD- Flag Hoists with all money going [email protected] KEY DEFENCE EVENT ON ITS WAY Defence and Security including a Type 23 Frigate. Equipment International (DSEI) New this year is the Joint takes place at ExCeL in London Zone, hosting a range of global between September 12 and 15. businesses providing capabilities Te world-leading defence across the Single Services, and security event will play host Special Forces and humanitarian to more than 1,600 exhibitors organisations and an Innovation from around the world, along Hub providing an opportunity for with more than 34,000 global companies to demonstrate their visitors, including military and emerging technologies. government ofcials, academia Te Land Zone remains the and members of industry. biggest at the event, while there Tis year the programme will also be military medical of international VIP speakers demonstrations and national includes Sir Michael Fallon, pavilions featuring numerous Secretary of State for Defence, and global companies. Harriett Baldwin, Minister for DE&S staf wishing to attend Defence Procurement. must register at www.dsei.co.uk/ Tere will be Air static displays DEANDS. Return coach travel is with a range of aircraf including available from MOD Abbey Wood Tornado GR4 and Apache and, but must be booked. Tis will be due to DSEI’s waterside location, advertised via the intranet. there will be visiting warships

10 desider August 2017 NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF BRIMSTONE FIRST LIVE FIRING Te frst live fring of MBDA’s capabilities on to Typhoon for the Brimstone air-to-surface missile Royal Air Force. from a Eurofghter Typhoon has Te fring was conducted been successfully completed with from BAE Systems’ Military Air the help of DE&S. & Information site in Warton, Te trial, announced at Lancashire, using UK Typhoon the Royal International Air Instrumented Production Aircraf Tattoo (RIAT), is part of (IPA) 6, with support from the work to integrate the Phase 3 MOD, DE&S, MBDA, QinetiQ, Enhancement (P3E) package for Eurofghter GmbH and the Typhoon, which will also deliver Eurofghter Partner Companies – further sensor and mission system Airbus and Leonardo. upgrades. Te initial fring follows Te P3E package is part completion of a series of around of Project Centurion – the 40 carriage trials earlier this year. programme to ensure a smooth transition of Tornado GR4 For more on RIAT see page 23 MERLIN BACK FROM WORLD TOUR Two Merlin Mk3a helicopters in French Ship Mistral and to from 845 Naval Air Squadron support the deployment with (NAS) have returned afer fve engineering advice and logistics months at sea covering 27,000 support.” miles and visiting 13 countries Six Merlin Mk3a helicopters are embarked in the French Ship part of 25 Merlin aircraf that are Mistral. covered under the DE&S Merlin During that period 845 Life Sustainment Programme NAS trained with US, French (MLSP) which will all undergo a and Japanese forces as part of full suite of modifcations before Jeanne d’Arc 17, a multinational appearing on the military register training mission, crossed the as two new aircraf Mks – Mk4 Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Mk4a. Indian Ocean, South China Sea Landing at the Royal Naval Air and the Pacifc, and visited ports Station Yeovilton the Squadron that included Mumbai, Ho Chi personnel were met by their Minh City, Darwin and Colombo. families and new Commanding Captain Kieran O’Brien, Ofcer (CO), Commander Robert DE&S Merlin Team Leader, said: Bond. “Tis extraordinary deployment Te returning personnel now required exceptional efort from go on leave, before returning to the DE&S Merlin Project Team prepare for future embarkations to provide the ship operating in the Royal Navy’s new aircraf clearances to enable 845NAS carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth to embark its Merlin Mk3a’s and HMS Prince of Wales. ARMY WARFIGHTING EXPERIMENT Organisers of the Army Major Mike Lavelle, DE&S Warfghting Experiment (AWE18) Tech Ofce Requirements have asked companies and Manager, said: “AWE 18 is an innovators to express their interest exciting opportunity to work in taking part. alongside industry partners to Te DE&S Technology Ofce develop MOD’s understanding of are managing AWE18 on behalf Autonomous and Robotic systems of Army’s Head of Capability and to help industry develop Combat, allowing major their products to meet our future companies, Small and Medium- requirements.” sized Enterprises and even Te fnal large scale AWE ‘innovators in their garden shed’ experiment and demonstration to show of their wares. takes place in autumn 2018. Te event, this time focusing Afer expressing an interest on a wide range of Robotics and a guide and templates must Autonomous Systems (RAS), be submitted by September aims at helping inform Army 1. For further information Headquarters when it comes to contact DESTECH-AWE­ future procurement decisions. [email protected]”

desider August 2017 11 FEATURE Front Line Focus Desider spoke to Viking squadron and the Royal Marines in Taunton to see what they think about the revamp carried out by DE&S on the armoured vehicles last year

n April last year the Royal Navy’s feet of Te forward cabins of all 99 vehicles were in Dorset that is part of Commando Logistic amphibious all-terrain vehicles – Vikings – ftted with a Protected Weapon Mount (PWM) Regiment RM. reached full operational capability (FOC) which pivots 360 degrees and can be used with Tey provide intimate, integrated Protected Iafer a three and a half year journey. either a 12.7mm Browning heavy machine gun Mobility support to 3 Commando Brigade In total 99 amphibious Viking vehicles, or a 7.62 general purpose machine gun. Nine through the training, generation and used extensively by the Royal Marines, were Viking vehicles have also been upgraded to deployment of specialist Viking Troops with regenerated under a £37 million contract allow the fring of an 81mm mortar from the the Lead Commando Group. secured by DE&S with BAE Systems. vehicle. Captain Ed Talbot Royal Marines, 1st Te revamp saw the vehicles ftted with new Te vehicles can be propelled through water, Viking Troop Ofcer Commanding, said: mine blast protected hulls designed to ofer both sea and in-land water ways or landed “Te vehicles were in need of serious additional defence should they encounter an from a landing craf onto the beach. Teir overhaul following the high operational explosive device. versatility across tough terrains was put to use In addition the entire feet has had when deployed on operations in Afghanistan. → improvements made to its braking and Viking Squadron (VS) is a dedicated Royal suspension systems. Marine Squadron based at Bovington Garrison

Pictured: A Royal Marine’s Viking amphibious vehicle under the Mojave Desert night sky in North America. Picture: LPhot Joel Pouse

12 desider August 2017 FEATURE

Pictured: Taunton-based Royal Marines; Patrick Daniel, Corporal Front Line Focus James Caisley and Mikey Greenwood Picture: Charlie Perham Charlie Picture:

tempo in Afghanistan, and the upgrades have had extensive experience of Viking vehicles, were used a lot for casualty evacuation and are substantially enhanced our capability in all most recently during Exercise Joint Viking in excellent because they can get right onto the climates. Norway. battle feld to extract the casualty. “Te additional mine blast protection “I certainly would not have been without “Tis was good both for the patient as they and new seat design give both us, as vehicle Viking in Norway,” he said. were taken to be treated safely and for the guys operators, and the embarked personnel greater “It was deep snow and Viking dealt with the who didn’t have to form a working party to do confdence in the vehicle’s resilience when in terrain very impressively. It also had heaters in it which it not as safe for the patient and makes high threat areas. As a result we can use the the back which at temperatures of -24 degrees those evacuating the casualty vulnerable as terrain to our advantage when manoeuvring was incredibly welcome and being able to melt well. around the battlefeld, rather than being “In addition they can be used to transport constrained to ‘safe’ routes. Similarly, the troops with heavy equipment to ensure we are Protected Weapons Mount ofers the vehicle not only protected over open ground but are commander greater protection against small Te team responsible for also not fatigued when we arrive.” arms fre from any direction. Nick Hobbs, of the DE&S Vehicle Support “Tere is always a trade-of between the in-service“ support of Team, said: “I am delighted to hear that the protection and manoeuvrability but the regenerated Viking has been well received by measures implemented have been highly Viking remain dedicated the Royal Marines. Although those responsible successful.” in providing unconditional for the Viking Regeneration project have Members of Charlie Company, 40 since lef the project team I can speak for Commando Royal Marines, based at Taunton support and will continue to their dedication and passion in ensuring that have recently used Viking on exercise in the platform met the expectation of Navy Norway and Salisbury Plain. drive improvements whilst Command. Royal Marine Corporal James Caisley said: keeping safe operation at the “Te team responsible for the in-service “Viking is a brilliant of road capability. If you support of Viking remain dedicated in have got to get somewhere you don’t want forefront of our minds providing unconditional support and will continue to drive improvements whilst keeping to get stuck or you know it’s rough terrain Nick Hobbs then you want to be in the back of a Viking DE&S Vehicle Support Team safe operation at the forefront of our minds.” which ofers both IED protection and a 4 x 4 Te Regeneration Programme currently capability. secures the vehicle’s service life until 2024 with “It can also get into the heart of battle to an option to further extend that date until ofer troops fre support and be integrated with 2034. them. If anything we could do with more but water and cook food made our roles far more they are a valuable asset so get sent all over the sustainable and kept” up morale.” place. Royal Marine Patrick Daniel recently took “Te team at DE&S have defnitely done a part in Exercise Wessex Storm on Salisbury good job.” Plain where Vikings vehicles were used Royal Marine Mikey Greenwood works as extensively. part of the Fire Support Group (FSG) and has He added: “During the exercise Vikings

desider August 2017 13 NEWS

Pictured: A RAF Typhoon takes to the skies at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) last month Cutting-edge technology for Typhoon

E&S CEO Tony Douglas highlighted the importance of the organisation’s close working relationship with Dindustry following the revelation that around £40 million would be invested in cutting-edge technology to improve the defence of the Running over a two year period, the RAF’s Typhoon fghter jets. contract will sustain 65 high-value jobs at Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon Leonardo’s site in Luton, as well as 41 jobs at announced the signifcant investment last BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire. equipment plan makes this possible; giving UK month, which will also sustain over 100 highly Te contract comes as Royal Air Force pilots forces the defences they need to protect them, skilled British jobs. test advanced weapons and sofware upgrades their kit and the people of Britain. Te contract award, announced at the “Te RAF’s Typhoon jet is already a state- Airpower Conference in London, will beneft of-the-art combat aircraf that protects the BAE Systems as the prime contractor and UK both at home and abroad, but today’s Leonardo as the main equipment supplier. announcement is a clear example of how it is Leornardo will upgrade the aircraf’s Defensive Tis contract is the product being continually enhanced and upgraded so it Aids Sub System (DASS). of close “cooperation remains as efective tomorrow as it is today.” Te DASS will upgrade the way the aircraf Te Typhoon, which provides a Quick protects itself from a full range of threats, between MOD and Industry Reaction Alert to help protect the UK, is including enemy aircraf and missiles launched expected to operate in a range of hostile from the ground, enabling it to continue and comes at an incredibly environments with the Defensive Aids Sub carrying out successful missions like protecting productive time for System providing a set of self-defence sensors Britain’s skies as part of Quick Reaction Alert and countermeasures which detect and and defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria as part Typhoon evaluate potential threats and automatically of Op Shader. deploy the most efect countermeasure. Tony said: “Tis contract is the product of Tony Douglas DE&S CEO Te Defensive Aids Sub System includes close cooperation between MOD and Industry Electronic Support Measures, missile warning, and comes at an incredibly productive time for on-board electronic countermeasures and Typhoon which has also seen a new package towed radar decoys. of advanced weapons, sofware and avionics Te Typhoon force is currently operationally enhancements being tested by Royal Air Force for the Typhoon. based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, RAF pilots. Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: Lossiemouth in Scotland and the Falkland “Tis upgrade will ensure Typhoon can ” “Our Armed Forces face ever-evolving threats Islands. identify and defeat known and emerging so we must invest in cutting-edge technology threats and shows that the MOD is committed to ensure they can operate in hostile theatres. For more major announcements in the Air to ensuring our Armed Forces have the best Our growing Defence budget and £178 billion domain see RIAT on pages 24&25. equipment and technology available to them.”

14 desider August 2017 NEWS

Apprentices’ royal honour

E&S apprentices from Defence Munitions Gosport presented Princess Anne with a brass model of a Sopwith DCamel during her visit to their engineering college in Hampshire. Project leader George Ballard and fellow apprentices Tomas Brading, Ashley Biginton, Joseph Salmon and Matthew Harrison met the Royal when she paid a visit to the Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) campus at Fareham College. Te campus is built on the grounds of the former Royal Naval Air Station (HMS Daedalus) which closed down several years ago. To pay tribute to the fact the frst bi-plane to have been fown from Daedalus was a Sopwith Camel, the Gosport apprentices made one as a project for part of their Apprenticeship NVQ framework. And so impressed were staf at CEMAST that they asked the apprentices to make another one that could be presented to the Princess Royal when she attended as part of the Daedalus Airfeld’s 100 year celebrations and Chief Executive Nigel Duncan. Te delighted that HRH Te Princess Royal last month. Princess Royal had the opportunity to observe took time out of her busy schedule to visit Design and build of the Sopwith Camel for teaching and learning taking place in several CEMAST. Te visit gave our students and the Royal visitor took around nine weeks in diferent learning environments, view practical apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate total, with the DE&S apprentices dedicating activities, and talk to students and staf about to HRH the quality of technical training they about 300 hours to the task. their experience and planned careers. receive and some of the advanced skills they Ashley, a DE&S Level 3 Mechanical Her Royal Highness was also gain on their apprenticeships and courses.” Engineering Apprentice, added: “Te introduced to a number of Sopwith Camel was the frst aircraf students and staf, including commissioned on Daedalus so we Young Engineers, Student thought it would be the perfect gif for Representatives, and a Below: DE&S apprentice and project leader George Ballard presents Princess Anne with this important occasion. We enjoyed team of apprentices. the model (see above) of the Sopwith Camel Mr Duncan said: working on the project together and as fellow apprentice Ashley Biginton looks on all played important roles to get it “We are absolutely done. I was proud to present the gif to Her Royal Highness during the celebration.” Te Royal visit consisted of a guided tour around the campus, escorted by Principal

desider August 2017 15 NEWS

DE&S staff give their time to i nspire the future generation

host of DE&S staf - dedicated to Pictured: One of the team’ s UAS is developing young talent - supported prepared for launch this year’s Unmanned Aircraf Systems Below: A team works on their creation, and (bottom right) some of the A(UAS) Challenge, organised by the Institution numerous DE&S staff who gave up of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). hours of their time to ensure the UAS Te event, frst held in 2014, was held Challenge was a success at Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and is considered the leading annual student competition in the aerospace sector and is aimed at developing professional engineers and inspiring the next generation. Undergraduates from around the world are invited to take part and try and win an award. Tis year saw many countries enter teams including Turkey, India and Pakistan. Te year-long project sees teams undertake a full design and build cycle of a UAS with specifc mission objectives. It culminates in the summer with a ‘fy-of’ where teams have to simulate a humanitarian aid mission and drop two aid packages onto two targets. DE&S provide a remarkable 15 members of the team of 27 that organise and judge the event and give many hours of their own time to ensure the event is a success.

Tis is a very valuable event for DE&S“ to be heavily involved in as it has a host of advantages both for undergraduates and the DE&S workforce Kerry Fletcher DE&S UAS team

Tis comprises 11 members from the UAS Team, 2 DE&S” UAS apprentices and 2 members of the Fast Air Support Team (FAST) Project Team including Air Commodore Paul Lloyd, the Chair of the IMechE Aerospace Division. Tey hold pivotal roles in the process including project manager, safety manager She said: “Tis is a very valuable event for and independent safety auditor as well as DE&S to be heavily involved in as it has a host scrutineer, co-ordinator and timekeeping. of advantages both for undergraduates and the Air Cdre Lloyd said: “Students spend many DE&S workforce. months designing, building and testing their “It promotes teamwork in a fun atmosphere Unmanned Aircraf Systems in the build up while giving individuals real responsibilities in to this excellent event which gives them an a highly charged real-time environment. insight into the exciting and rewarding world “It also increases everyone’s awareness of of working in aerospace engineering. air safety and is a great for networking and “I must also pay tribute to all those – spotting future talent for my and other teams including a host of DE&S staf – who willingly in DE&S.” give up their time to make this event such a One of the teams to take part were the success. Without you it would not be possible.” University of the West of England which is Kerry Fletcher, of the DE&S UAS team, based in Bristol near MOD Abbeywood. chairs the steering group and is project Team member Ciara Tang, a MEng manager. Aerospace Engineering student, said: “It has

16 desider August 2017 NEWS

DE&S staff give their time to inspire the future generation

been a valuable learning experience which has given us an insight into the world of engineering and processes related to aircraf development”. QinetiQ provided Snowdonia Aerospace Centre as the venue for this year’s Unmanned Aircraf Systems (UAS) Challenge. Phil Briggs, Lead Project Engineer, QinetiQ, said: “We’re proud to lend our UAS expertise and facilities to give these young engineers an enjoyable and eye-opening experience.” IMechE’s Rod Williams, Chief Scrutineer of the UAS Challenge, added: “Hopefully, this gave teams a chance to see the opportunities available and confrm their intent to work in the industry on graduation.”

desider August 2017 17 NEWS des

Pictured: Barry Burton (third from right), Abbey Wood Head of Establishment with some of the voluntary Mental Health First Aiders Mental health matters he DE&S Executive Committee at MOD DE&S staf who may be sufering with mental symptoms and needed additional information Abbey Wood (ABW) has underlined health issues. on how to identify and combat stress. its determination to support staf “With that in mind we held Health Tis knowledge led to the creation of stress Tsufering with mental health issues Days to identify issues staf were presentations, informing staf of all ranks and by signing the Time to Change facing and to help us shape a services how to identify stress and advice on Pledge. way to go forward. how to deal with it. Te pledge, signed by “Tere are many ways we Tese were combined with Mindful ABW Head of Establishment can all help in making DE&S Lunches, a haven where art therapy was Barry Burton, emphasises a a healthier place to work provided to calm over-active and stressed commitment to remove the and I hope staf will take minds. stigma and discrimination advantage of schemes on For more information contact Ross Hill (D attached to mental health in the ofer including the Wellbeing, S&EQT) who staf can fnd on the internal workplace. Stress and Resilience training email system. It came afer fve years’ work in package on Civil Service the feld of mental health and wellbeing Learning.” on site and is a pledge to continue working .Since signing the pledge during to improve the situation for staf across the Health Day at MOD Abbey Wood in Tere are many ways we organisation. November last year the site stress awareness “ DE&S Abbey Wood now has approximately presentation has been updated to cover all can all help in making 50 Mental Health First Aiders and other aspects of mental health in the workplace, Defence organisations including Defence ensuring staf are aware they are in an DE&S a healthier place Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and environment where they can express their Defence Business Services (DBS) are concerns and talk about mental health freely. to work and I hope staf investigating the Mental Health First Aider Previously DE&S Abbey Wood has initiative. embarked on a programme of information and will take advantage of Tese volunteer staf are similar to medical education on all aspects of mental and physical frst aiders, in that they have a basic knowledge health in the workplace. schemes on ofer of most mental health conditions and the skills It started with Health Days, in conjunction Barry Burton to step in and make a situation safe, protecting with the South Gloucestershire Council and ABW Head of Establishment the individual at risk and providing next steps other local and national providers including to seek suitable health providers. MIND and Time to Change. Barry (pictured inset) said: “Te Executive Feedback from the initial Health Days Committee is passionate about supporting showed that staf were exhibiting stress ”

18 desider August 2017 FEATURE des

DOWNLOAD THE APP FOR BONUS DIGITAL CONTENT

DOWNLOAD THE DESIDER APP NOW SEARCH DESIDER IN YOUR APP STORE FEATURE DE&S staff unearth 'priceless' historical document

E&S staf unearthed a priceless the troops on the front foot. historical document while undertaking Te ledger also includes details of supplies an audit in the information warehouse landing at French beaches and the French Dat MOD Boscombe Down. Channel ports once these were captured and Alan Stuart, of the DE&S Trials, Evaluation freight movements to railheads across France With D-Day history we Services and Targets project team, discovered and Germany to support the invasion of a hand written ledger outlining in detail Germany. “ the supply and maintenance logistics that Although unconfrmed both Alan and know what happened in supported Operation Overlord – which Derek believe that the ledger could have been launched on D-Day June 6, 1944. put together as a ‘learning from experience’ a combat sense, but this Afer fnding the ledger last November document because of fears over a possible land shows us a breakdown Alan contacted the Information Manager war with Russia. for D Weapons – Dr Derek Shaw – and they “It’s a near complete logistical summary of of exactly how that established that the ledger had been put Operation Overlord and would defnitely have together by retired Lieutenant Colonel Keith been compiled for a military purpose,” Derek mission was supported Ferguson between 1955 and 1957. said. Col Ferguson spent two and a half years “In the mid-1950s there was a lot of tension. and enabled and that’s detailing the minutia of the logistical operation Te Second World War was a recent memory, listing all the deliveries of manpower and and the Berlin Airlif of 1948 was painful very exciting armoured vehicles to the beaches. Te detail indicator of Russia’s intentions in the east of went as far down as to how much coal, Germany. Alan Stuart DE&S Trials, Evaluation Services and Targets potatoes, wheat and diesel were needed to keep “People were nervous and I think this document was put together in preparation of a possible land war and as a ‘learning from ”

20 desider August 2017 FEATURE DE&S staff unearth 'priceless' historical document

experience’ exercise.” Alan added: “With D-Day history we know what happened in a combat sense, but this shows us a breakdown of exactly how that mission was supported and enabled and that’s very exciting. “Speaking in academic terms it’s a source document that is priceless and unique. You could build a 3D reconstruction of how D-Day and in fact the whole of Overlord was provisioned and supported using this information – it’s got that level of detail. “You have to be careful because once you start reading it becomes hard to stop – it’s very addictive.” It is believed that although found by DE&S staf at a DE&S site the material is owned by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Dominic Davies, Knowledge Management Lead at Dstl, said: “Tis collection represents an immensely rich source of reference for Defence Research and Procurement as well as historians. We are investigating where it will ultimately reside, but we are trying to ensure it is accessible to those who need to use it.” Derek added: “Tis is an internationally important document because it captures in detail an operation that changed the world. Te ledger includes details of materiel supplied to American, Canadian and other forces throughout the operation. You can see the care taken putting it together. It is beautifully hand written throughout. “Tis fnd was an emotional moment for everyone who was there when we found it, we immediately realised its importance and value.” Derek and Alan said they have been greatly supported by Dstl, the Air Historical Branch, Cranfeld University and QinetiQ staf who manage MOD Boscombe Down on behalf of the MOD. In keeping with DE&S Policy, Te Public Records Act and Records Keeping duties afer archive standard copies have been made and donated to various MoD institutions the ledger itself will be donated to the Imperial War Museum. By making this and other material from this archive available to academics, DE&S will be able to support research in MOD that will enable it to enrich its own history and also to exploit its corporate memory and learn from its experiences.

An image of 48 Commando coming ashore on D-Day, below: DE&S employees Alan Stuart and Dr Derek Shaw who discovered the ledger, middle: troops storm the beaches on D-Day top: One of the pages from the ledger outlining the stores for three of the assault beaches – Sword, Juno and Gold

desider August 2017 21 NEWS

Pictured: The DE&S Army Contingent Operational Stocks team Always ahead of the game Desider meets DE&S Army Contingent Operational Stocks – a team that ensures the Army can deploy at a moment’s notice

arlier this year members of the DE&S supporting enduring operations in Iraq and was supporting deployments throughout Contingent Operational Stocks team Afghanistan for so long that being in a position 2016 including Iraq, South Sudan and Eastern made the trip to London to be presented of being prepared to support contingent Europe. Ewith a CEO Commendation for their operations had become a forgotten art. Lt Col John Young, Team Leader Contingent outstanding eforts. “We don’t know now that Defence won’t Operational Stocks, added: “Te trick is Tey had been highlighted by Brigadier decide tomorrow that we are going back to understanding the balance between what Doug Gibson, Head of the DE&S Land Libya or that we need to be sat on the border absolutely must be in a PEP and what can be Domain and Army Customer Team for of Somalia and they need the ability to do that on the shelf and available. carrying out a task of “strategic importance” by “It’s a bit like going camping. When you go ensuring the Army’s Vanguard Forces – that is camping you absolutely want to have a tent to say those deployed frst on an operation – with you – so that’s pre-purchased and held in were ready to go at the drop of a hat. the PEP – but you can probably wait until the In doing so the team has made fve million Tey have been last minute to get the milk for your cup of tea. items readily available to deploying forces. dynamic“ and have We’ve just done the same for what the Army Tey have also flled 1,750 Priming needs. Equipment Packs (PEP) modules, which demonstrated a high “Te key has been working together include all the spares and materiel the unit with industry and the Army to ensure we would require on deployment, and which team performance, understand supply chains, lead times and costs would be delivered to it when it is warned for and can meet some extremely ferce deadlines.” operations. from an Army Brigadier Doug Gibson, Head of the DE&S Tese modules feature items from a 15,000 Land Domain and Army Customer Team, said: item NATO stock list and range from one perspective it has been “Te task has been one of strategic importance pence nuts to £180,000 Main Battle Tank and the Team has collectively demonstrated gearboxes. magnifcent exemplar innovation and drive. Furthermore, Te team believe the secret to their success they have demonstrated team behaviours that Colonel Nigel Allison is the close working relationships they have are an inspiration to their peers across DE&S.” British Army built with industry, with DE&S Delivery Col Nigel Allison, Army Special Projects Teams and with the Army so they can support Logistics Policy Plans, Assistant Head, paid deploying units as best as possible. tribute to the team saying: “Te Army - at the “Te team is drawn from across multiple very highest levels - appreciate the eforts of operating centres, as well as Industry and our very quickly – and it is our job to make sure this team. Tey have been dynamic and have customer,” Colonel Matt Wilkinson, Chief of Defence is ready for these” eventualities.” demonstrated a high team performance, from Staf Logistic Delivery, said. At the same time as reorganising existing an Army perspective it has been magnifcent.” “It was necessary because we had been stock and purchasing new materiel the team

22 desider March 2017 NEWS RIAT

desider August 2017 23 NEWS

Pictured: Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, Opposite page from top: an RAF Typhoon, a A400M, Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin, a Chinook helicopter, and bottom right a Lancaster bomber

Defence Secretary announc es £120 million investment in UK air power

hree days of fying at the Royal role transporter aircraf are carrying out making sure the aircraf remain available International Air Tattoo 2017 saw 246 around the globe. for front line service during this extensive aircraf from 26 countries take to the Tis message was cemented with the modifcation.” Tskies and it was also a busy week for DE&S announcement of the frst contract, worth Tis replacement will ensure that the project teams with the Defence Secretary up to £110 million, with British company Hercules C-130J aircraf will reach the announcing two contracts worth nearly a Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group to revised out of service date of 2035 following combined £120 million. replace the centre wing box for the RAF’s the SDSR15 decision, making sure this Te deals will sustain 330 British jobs and Hercules C-130J aircraf. Te contract will essential aircraf can continue to transport help the RAF to continue to perform at its best sustain 330 jobs in Cambridge, contributing personnel and equipment around the world, by improving training for fast jet pilots and to the over 5,100 UK jobs Marshall already having previously supported defence and making sure the Hercules C-130J aircraf can support in the region. humanitarian relief eforts in Iraq, Nepal and continue to support the UK’s Armed Forces Rob Glenister, the C-130J deputy team South Sudan. around the world. leader, said: “I am proud to say that this With the Royal Air Force's Typhoon Speaking at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, milestone has been delivered on time and, thrilling spectators at the show, it was also Sir Michael Fallon said: “Tese contracts through stalwart eforts on behalf of the announced that the MOD has signed a £9.5 demonstrate our commitment to supporting technical and commercial project team million contract with QinetiQ to provide the UK’s air power, through maintaining members, under budget. Typhoon pilots with the latest cockpit battle proven aircraf and training the next “Te placement of this next increment to technology to prepare them for front line generation of fast jet pilots.” the contract with Marshall Aerospace and combat. During the thrilling fying display at the Defence Group has secured the necessary Te Typhoon at RIAT was fown by Flight air show visitors were able to see fast jets, production slots for the RAFs new wing boxes Lieutenant Ryan Lawton, from the Royal including the Red Arrows and Typhoon, giant with Marshall’s sub-contractor for this project, Air Force’s 29(R) Squadron, based at RAF transporters and historic aircraf. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Coningsby and provided a spectacular show of Breaking up the ear-splitting displays from “Tis is a major milestone which will ensure the aircraf’s power and agility. the fghter aircraf, the A400M from Airbus the wing boxes were ordered in a manner Te technical update provided through Defence and Space also put in an impressive which allows them to arrive in time to align the contract with QinetiQ will give Typhoon display reminding spectators of the important to the aircrafs maintenance cycles, thereby crews the ability to link to the Air Battlespace

24 desider August 2017 NEWS

Defence Secretary announces £120 million investment in UK air power

Training Centre at RAF Waddington and undertake 10 weeks of simulated battle training a year in the latest cockpit and simulated training technology. Te trainee aircrew will be exposed to state- of-the-art, simulated battlefeld situations and the training facilitators can develop scenarios, provide mission management support and post mission debriefs, ensuring the crews will be best prepared for deployment. Te interim capability was secured by Mike Williams of the DE&S Flight Simulators and Synthetic Trainers (FSAST) team at MOD Abbey Wood. Team leader Russ Cole said: “Mike was rightly awarded the Director Air Support Star of the month award for his work in getting the interim Air Synthetic Training Capability (iASTC) onto contract by the end of March this year. He was solely responsible for delivering all aspects of the Assurance and Approval process in a very challenging and short timescale. “His eforts mean an essential training capability, which prepares Front Line Typhoon and E3D Sentry crews for the most demanding operational engagements, will now be realised.”

desider August 2017 25 FIRST PERSON : Jack Eckersley, Picture FIRST PERSON

On military demands, having a brilliant team and home brewing beer

Brigadier Doug Gibson is Head of the Land Domain and Army Customer Support Team (LDACT). He manages the daily business of the Land Domain and is responsible for DE&S’ relationship with the Army and Strategic Programmes

What does your role involve? Customers recognise that we in DE&S are part and support provided by DE&S to do my job of the MoD Team, all striving to equip and well and safely, so I need no persuading as to As Head of the Land Domain and Army support those in harm’s way on the front line. the crucial role of DE&S. I also see myself as Customer Support Team (LDACT) my role is It’s critical that the Land Domain Management a trained leader, a project manager, a balancer twofold: as COM(L)’s Chief of Staf I manage Committee (COM(L)’s Executive Board) of budgets and priorities, and an experienced the daily business of the Land Domain; and work collaboratively as a team to deliver the risk manager. DE&S has provided me the as the Land Domain’s customer focus, I am Domain’s priorities. And it’s critical to my chance to put these skills, learnt and practiced responsible for the DE&S’ relationship with the team’s success that we support one another, on military operations, into efect in delivering Army and Strategic Programmes. encourage one another, celebrate each other’s equipment and support for customers who Over the last 18 months driving successes and share each other’s challenges. deserves absolutely the best. transformation has been both demanding Te good news is that in my six years at DE&S and challenging. I now see the frst fruits What do you most enjoy about your job? I have witnessed really efective teamwork in of everyone’s hard work, with Earned Value all three of these important areas. Te people. I love being surrounded by Management (EVM) becoming the new people who believe passionately about what normal, with Functional Managers being held What is your view on transformation? we do and are prepared to go to enormous to account for resourcing the programme of In my current job I am privileged to be lengths to make success happen. Each team I work, and with roles like ‘business partner’ at the heart of planning and managing the have been part of has shared a common sense being better understood across HR, Finance roll out of DE&S’ transformation across the of working for an essential cause and taking an and Accounting and Communications. Domain. I concluded some time ago that enormous pride in doing so. Te production, agreement, performance when it comes to transformation we must What do you enjoy doing in your spare management and change control of the succeed. I have witnessed frst-hand the DE&S time? Command Acquisition and Support Plans leadership, at all levels, put their shoulders to (CASP) are key to ensuring that the Land the wheel. And in my assessment the front To relax I enjoy running in the Wye Domain’s workload is understood, prioritised, cars of the roller coaster are over the top of Valley where we live, bbq’ing (anything and funded and delivered. Te Land Domain, the elevator poised to accelerate down the everything) and home brewing beer. which includes Weapons, Support Enablers, switchback. What might surprise people about you? Logistic Delivery and Land Equipment is Our collective eforts to embrace common becoming increasingly customer focussed, and processes, tools and rules is a great leap I am a closet Archers listener. this is proving key to our success in balancing forward. Our professionalisation, by carving the competing demands of current military tasks between the 11 functions, gives us the operations, contingent capability, savings and framework by which we can ensure that efciency. we only do what is needed to deliver our Each team I have What about your role is exciting, programme of work, whilst ofering everyone “ been part of has rewarding or interesting? a clear progression route. Our workforce is moving from generalist to professional. Each day is diferent – I love that. I have a And our new pay and reward model sets the shared a common simply brilliant team working with me – trying conditions for recruiting and retaining the to keep up with their energy and output is a right people. So I’m a fan of transformation, sense of working great motivator. We share a desire to meet the the hard work is starting to pay of, but I don’t customer’s needs, to support the Domain’s underestimate how much more there is to do Operating Centres efectively and to deliver for an essential to get to a point where we can say that the innovation. Te LDACT foorplate is rarely vision has been realised. quiet and is always busy – a brilliant place to cause and taking work. Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? an enormous How important to you is teamwork? As an Army Ofcer I have spent my In a word: critical. It’s critical that our military career relying upon the equipment pride in doing so : Jack Eckersley, ” Picture desider August 2017 27 NEWS

DE&S join industry to invest in radars

E&S has agreed to collaborate with (40 mi) west-northwest of North Uist in the Qinetiq and jointly invest £16.8 North Atlantic Ocean. Te new radars will million in two new BAE Systems replace two existing radars on St Kilda, which Dtracking radars, to be installed on St Kilda, and Using the latest technology, are used as a part of a tracking station, and upgrade two existing radars at MOD Hebrides. this equipment“ will help upgrades to two radar at MOD Hebrides and Te new radars are part of the £95m Air will be fully functional by the Spring of 2020. Range Modernisation programme agreed in ensure our ranges have the Sarah Kenny, QinetiQ Managing Director December 2016 with the UK MOD. for Maritime, Land and Weapons said: “Te Te modernisation of MOD Aberporth and capabilities required to meet modernisation of UK test and evaluation is MOD Hebrides will help reduce the overall a key part of our strategy for future growth. operating costs of the ranges ensuring they current and future defence Working with the UK MOD we want to ensure remain competitive and have the capabilities that we are able to deliver air ranges that are required to support UK defence, defence demands relevant and competitive for the UK Armed exports and attract international customers, Richard Smart, Forces as well as government and industry building on the success of the At Sea Director Weapons at DE&S customers around the world. Tese new radars Demonstration 2015 and Unmanned Warrior will provide a step change in what we are 2016. able to deliver for our customers and ensure Te tracking radars will provide data that the UK MOD are getting real value for and safety monitoring at the range for money. MOD Hebrides is a key range for the experimentation, evaluation, demonstration and evaluation conducted” for the UK Armed UK which has helped to deliver signifcant and rehearsal of military capability. Forces. Using the latest technology, this and ground breaking demonstrations, such Richard Smart, Director Weapons at equipment will help ensure our ranges have as Unmanned Warrior. Tese new radars will DE&S, said: “We are pleased to continue our the capabilities required to meet current and help ensure that more complex work can be collaboration with industry in delivering future defence demands.” carried out at the range.” modern air tracking radars in support of test MOD Hebrides occupies 115,000km² Mark Keeler, acting president of BAE of segregated airspace allowing UK MOD, Systems’ Intelligence & Security sector, added: industry and international customers to “BAE Systems is pleased to continue our long conduct a wide range of trials, experimentation partnership with QinetiQ and the UK test Below: A tracking radar on St Kilda, and rehearsal. Te range includes use of St ranges by providing the latest in technology for overlooking Village Bay in the Outer Kilda, an isolated archipelago 64 kilometres instrumentation tracking radars.” Hebrides

28 desider August 2017 RECRUITMENT CASE STUDY Holli Kimble, DE&S Technology and Innovation Strategy Lead, gives her insight into the benefts of working for DE&S

Name: Holli Kimble Job title: DE&S Technology and Innovation Strategy Lead How long have you worked for DE&S? Almost seven years Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? I joined DE&S afer graduating from Exeter University and was keen for a career in the Weapons and Explosives sector to go alongside my existing Army Reserves career – DE&S had such a variety of projects to get involved with from an engineering perspective alongside developing other skills. What does your role entail? I lead the DE&S Innovation Programme and am part of the MOD Innovation Core Team, coordinating innovation activities with the other parts of Defence. In order to enable innovation in DE&S I am really keen to make use of all the new tools and techniques available to us, so I strive for the programme to push the boundaries in modern ways of working. In essence, aside from running the programme, I spend a lot of time learning from others and implementing best practice and then sharing as widely as possible. What are the opportunities to develop and progress within your function?

Trough my work at DE&S I gained Engineering Chartership in What’s the greatest achievement (in your role) to date? Jack Eckersley 2014. I’m currently on loan from the Engineering function into a

I led the team that delivered Inspiring Innovation 2017 – we devised Picture: PPM Programme Management role and intend to use functional the idea of holding an event as part of the DE&S Innovation Strategy management to transition back into the Engineering Function. I can implementation, sought support from the Board and then ran with it. certainly see the transferable skills that can be developed by taking a We went from gaining approval in March to running the event in May stint outside of my main function. – a total of nine weeks. It’s the best example of teamwork that I’ve been What do you most enjoy about your job? involved in at DE&S so far. I ensured the team were empowered to I love the challenge. Most days I feel like I’m able to make a diference make lots of decisions that normally would have had lots of scrutiny – to the organisation and bring diferent groups together to fnd new ways that trust paid of and the team fourished. Plenty of work still going on to achieve DE&S outputs. I get to meet and work with so many people, to encourage and enable people to think diferently with the support of in this job I am able to see so many good things about DE&S and lots the Executive Committee – it’s really good to see the support. more unrealised potential. I am part of the DE&S Inclusion, Diversity Would you recommend DE&S to others as a great place to work? and Outreach Committee and I enjoy raising awareness of the benefts I enjoy working here – we work on interesting projects that most of thought diversity in boosting the performance of teams – we have a people wouldn’t get the chance to. Tere is so much scope to use your diverse workforce in many ways and we can harness that experience to initiative and make a positive impact. I've never felt held back here and solve some really challenging problems. with the development of the networks, now it is easy to fnd people What’s your ambition? who I get on really well with across the business. Te learning and In the shorter term I would like to see the Inspiring Innovation development opportunities are huge and I’ve been able to seek out my Programme enabling DE&S to tackle some projects in diferent ways own mentors to give me diferent perspectives (from inside DE&S and – managing some risks centrally and working across Domains more. I across industry). would also like to see more creative techniques used in meetings – with What are the social benefts of working for DE&S? people being inspired by some of the pilots we have run. In the future I’d I’m a big fan of travelling and you can’t beat fexi-time. Plus the love to work in international development – applying my engineering, Defence Discount Card scheme – I can get discounts on so many innovation and psychology passions to humanitarian issues and disaster things, the biggest savings I have made so far have been on camera relief – helping fnd solutions to big issues (poverty, food crises etc). equipment. It’s also nice to be trusted to get the job done in my own Working at DE&S has allowed me to develop in lots of diferent ways way – another social aspect of working here. and I hope to apply this in new places in the future.

desider August 2017 29 RECRUITMENT WORK FOR DE&S

Welcome to this edition of DE&S jobs in Desider. There are great opportunities available at DE&S and each month we list current and future posts. For even more opportunities visit the Civil Service Jobs Portal at www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk Graduate and apprentice schemes

E&S ofers a number of top class graduate and vacancies. Dapprenticeship opportunities, providing successful More information on the range of graduate and applicants with “hands-on” experience in roles across a apprentice opportunities DE&S has to ofer is available at range of projects. www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk If you have recently left school or university and are interested in embarking on a career in defence but do not yet have the experience/skills required for our listed

Rewards and benefts

n addition to the fantastic variety of cutting edge jobs and which ofer numerous discounts to members. Ian excellent opportunity to develop skills through training, Our headquarters are based in Abbey Wood, Bristol including working towards professional qualifcations, we and, like many other sites, boasts an impressive range s jobs also provide frst rate benefts for all of our employees. These of facilities including a fully equipped gym, an on-site include fexible working, excellent annual leave, maternity nursery, a range of restaurants and cofee bistros and a and paternity allowances as well as a very competitive hairdressers. pension scheme, eligibility for performance related pay, We understand the commitments our staf have, both

free car parking (caveats apply), proactive employee inside and outside of the ofce. Our aim is to provide you & engagement, access to Benenden Medical care and the with a place of work which allows you the fexibility you opportunity to join many civil-service clubs such as the require to maintain a great work/life balance. Sports and Social Association and Motoring Club (CSMA)

Equality and diversity

E&S is committed to embracing diversity: it is one of • promoting a workplace that values dignity, respect our core values. Irrespective of gender, marital status, and fairness D de race, religion, age, disability and without reference to social • promoting high standards of behaviour and background or sexual orientation, DE&S operates an complying with the law by creating equality of inclusive environment to allow you to develop your career. opportunity Whether uniformed or civilian, we expect the attitudes of To demonstrate our commitment, we are members of our people to refect our approach to diversity by: Stonewall, Race for Opportunity, Opportunity Now, The • fostering a working environment where all staf Employers Forum on Disability, The Employers Forum on feel comfortable, welcomed and valued for their Age, and we are also afliated to a: gender. contributions Read more about equality and diversity in MOD.

How to apply

e are looking for innovative, talented, focused If you would like to view all current vacancies across Windividuals to join us in being instrumental in defending DE&S and the wider civil service, please visit the Civil Britain’s interest both at home and overseas. Service Job Portal. DE&S provides the opportunity for a truly rewarding In addition, for an easy, hassle free way of keeping up to career, working on complex, interesting and often date with all the latest vacancies, you can now follow us on sensitive projects of great signifcance and consequence, Twitter or like our page on Facebook. with excellent training opportunities for your continued professional development.

30 desider August 2017 de&sjobs Closing date: 1Oct2017 Management Plan and Service Delivery Plan. Plan. Delivery Service and Plan Management Life Through the delivering for You activity. execution responsible be also logistics will or support In-Service an to deliver professionals of logistics Integrated consisting primarily ateam lead duties, Description: Job Bristol Commercial Officer Reference number1545750PosttypePermanentHours37 Bristol andRAFStations Engineering Manager Bristol andYeovil Project Scheduler risks new quantifying and identifying in experts matter subject assisting and workshops risk support, management risk providing include will duties Key analysis. and management quantification, identification, risk through risk project of administration the in Manager Project the supports Analyst of Risk role The Description: Job Closing date: 13Aug2017 Closing date: 30Sept2017 Closing date: 13Aug2017 Bristol andYeovil Service DeliveryManager implementation and policy of commercial development the with assisting and relations supplier developing documents, tender Industry, evaluating with negotiating include can responsibilities your and projects of commercial kinds of all role, you’ll heart at the be dynamic and diverse this In Description: Job experience and skill of technical degree ahigh require that sub-portfolios major or projects; large for activities scheduling and planning for responsible are They activities. development plan recovery and monitoring maintenance, development, schedule supervise Schedulers Project Description: Job Bristol, Yeovil andBarrow Risk Analyst Closing date: 7 Sept2017 and most important engineering projects. projects. engineering important most and challenging of UK’s the some technically largest, support and to proud deliver immensely are who of of ateam professionals amember as skills You engineering your using be will Description: Job CURRENT VACANCIES Reference number1547856PosttypePermanentHours37 Reference number1549695PosttypePermanentHours37 Reference number1544544 Post typePermanentHours37 Reference number1549749PosttypePermanentHours37 Up to£33,000pa

This role in Integrated Logistics, will see the successful applicant, amongst other other amongst applicant, successful the see will Logistics, Integrated in role This

DE&S Up to£40,000pa Up to£38,157pa

Up to£46,000pa DE&S Up to£25,382pa Level2 DE&S

DE&S

DE&S

Level 3 Level 3 Level 3

Level2

RECRUITMENT desider August2017

31 de&sjobs DE&SNEWS PEOPLE

60 SECOND SPOTLIGHT

Name? Steve Howlett Role? Wildcat Retroft After Delivery and Combined Test Team Engineering Manager at Yeovil Your route into DE&S? I’ve been in the MOD/DE&S as man and boy (since 16) for 21 Years! I am extremely proud to say that I was one of the last MOD aircraft apprentices to go through Royal Naval Air Yard Fleetlands Gosport and from working on my tools on military helicopters, I transitioned into engineering management through the Merlin Project Team, managing aircraft modifcation and storage programmes and then onto Wildcat in Nov 2016. I am currently managing the Wildcat Retro Fit After Delivery and Trials programmes within the Leonardo Helicopters site at Yeovil. Your claim to fame? I have worked as a Disc Jockey with a few fairly well know names in that world including Happy Mondays, Goldie, Howard Donald (Take That) & Trevor Nelson to name a few. Playing records to the public especially with big name acts was an incredible experience especially on the Howard Donald night given every lady in the town seemed to have packed into the club that night for some reason! At that stage of my career I wasn’t quite sure when the working week stopped when I was working for the MOD Monday to Friday and spinning records at the weekend. Your advice to anyone?

Take every day as a new day and ensure you Picture: Jack Eckersley are as positive as you can be. In the current age of constant change strap in and go for the ride rather than worry about every little detail. What do you do when you’re away from work? kit as I would be surrounded by incredible a while. Perhaps when I retire I can set up Windsurf, cycle, run, DJ (spin records), blue seas. Finally I’d have to take my music a little bar spinning soul and funk records? Snowboard, socialise with a few ales and collection as I certainly cannot live without Blue sky thinking at its best. spend as much quality time with my family my tunes day in day out. Also, I guess I and close friends as possible. should have said some food in some way or form but that would be four items. Your secret? What are you most proud of? I am really a hobbit because I have such little What irritates you the most? Finding my ideal assignment in DE&S and legs. being issued formal airworthiness delegation Old school mentalities and people who seem for my day to day engineering duties from the to think the world owes them something. Wildcat Team Leader. Taking up my new role Get out there and live your life and don’t wait in the Wildcat PT has been a really great step around for something to happen. for my engineering career and, by using the What is your favourite place in the opportunities transformation has to ofer, I world? am hoping this will be a spring board to even Do you or someone you more exciting challenges ahead. I also have Austria in the winter for the snow as my to say I am very proud of my two kids - just in wife converted me to snowboarding a few know deserve their 60 case Mrs Howlett sees this article! years back and now I’d happily be on the slopes all year round. Clearly Austria also seconds in the spotlight? If you were sent to a desert island, what comes hand in hand with a pretty decent Email [email protected] three things would you take with you? social aspect which I am quite happy My family, as they are the most important to get involved with although ‘Europop part of my life. I’d also take my windsurfng alpine style’ does wear a little thin after

32 desider August 2017 NEWS

Protecting our troops

Pictured: 20 Wing CBRN Regiment demonstrate a sample co ll ection from the BSCS co llector Be low: Ian Matthews (right), Team Leader for the DE&S Chemical, B io logica l, Rad io log ical and Nuclear (CBRN) team expla ins BSCS

E&S has delivered innovative air UK held a formal ceremony at the Williams manage the CBRN programme said this detection systems to protect our Formula 1 site in May. system will be “vital” for troops on the ground. Armed Forces from a biological Speaking at the event, Ian said: “I’m “In very simple terms, if we didn’t have Dwarfare attack when deployed overseas. absolutely delighted and impressed with the this system and someone attacked us with a Te Biological Surveillance and Collector amount of efort that the DE&S team has put biological warfare agent, we may not know Systems (BSCS), delivered by Tales UK, into delivering this programme, particularly until people started to fall ill, potentially in is a capability that can determine if troops how they have collectively worked with all large numbers depending on the nature of the have potentially been exposed to a biological those involved. Tis ranges from Tales as attack and how it was delivered. attack that can carry infectious agents such as the prime contractor and many of their sub­ “Tis system provides us with the bacteria, viruses and toxins with the intent to contractors, Joint Force Command and DSTL, information and time to take appropriate force harm personnel. our scientifc community.” protection action to look afer the troops.” Te system uses a number of advanced Talking at the event about the importance air sampling collectors dispersed around a on innovation and collaboration in delivering deployed base. Te samples are then taken to a this capability, Gareth Williams, Vice central laboratory where they are analysed to President of Secure Communications and identify the potential threat. Information Systems for Tales UK said: Speaking about the state-of-the-art piece “When delivering this capability, we needed of kit, Ian Matthews, Team Leader for the to accept that no one organisation on its DE&S Chemical, Biological, Radiological own could do it. We needed to fnd the right and Nuclear (CBRN) team said: “BSCS is partners with the right technologies, solutions a capability that detects enemy biological and delivery history to provide that service. warfare agent attacks. Tis system can allow “Our team has developed a leading edge the Commander on deployed operations to biological surveillance capability through make timely tactical decisions about what excellent cooperation with the experts at they want to do to ensure the continued DSTL and DE&S. Tis system has been force protection of the deployed location Te BSCS can operate almost anywhere in developed with over 30 UK supply chain and especially to personnel in it. Tis could the world and can be transported by road, sea, organisations, 17 of which have been SMEs.” include administering medication to those air and rail and will provide a step-change in who may have been exposed to the threat.” detect to treat capability. To mark initial operating capability, Tales Wing Commander, Seb Kendall, who helps

desider August 2017 33 DE&S PEOPLE

he DE&S Pride Network made their presence known at Bristol Bristol Pride 2017 TPride Day, promoting the organisation and the opportunities on ofer. People from the LGBT community, together with their allies, paraded in their thousands, in a vibrant and glorious celebration of diversity and diference in the city centre. Members of the network marched and operated a market stall alongside other organisations during the event in July. Tey said there was a signifcant, genuine interest in what the organisation does, and the types of jobs that are on ofer. Hayley Barnden, Pride Chair said “Tis year was our third appearance and most successful to date. Te LGBT community of Bristol have really embraced our attendance and readily engage with us. “We took along details of current bulk recruitment campaigns, over 50 people took these, as well as giving out approximately 200 pens and 1,500 stickers and other information on the roles and careers available at DE&S.” MOTTO the MOD Lottery April 2017 winners

£10,000 Allan Maskell, Leconfeld £2,500 Tracey Lee, Abingdon £1,000 Stephen Halsey, London £500 Andrew Farrell, Bicester £250 Stephen Harris, Catterick £100 David Parry, Plymouth Catriona Doswell, Catterick Lisa Young, Andover Noreen Hamnett, Lichfeld Katie Falk, Gloucester wo DE&S apprentices from water and provisions, harbour patrol Shiela Hatton, Brize Norton Defence Munitions Gosport were and even or carrying armed sailors for Timothy Harding, London Tgiven the opportunity to support boarding expeditions a group of ex-Navy volunteers who are Joe said: “What an amazing Yvonne Tillsley, London helping restore a Steam Pinnace built opportunity to have, we were able to Jonathan Parry, ABW in 1911. work with some very experienced Lisa Ireland, London Joe Salmon and Tom Brading volunteers learning an array of skills.” (pictured) joined the volunteers, Tom added: “Te experience is Fiona Sutherland, Newcastle known as ‘Crew 199’, in a boathouse invaluable, there are not many other Jayne Begley, Corsham at Portsmouth where they applied apprenticeships that allow apprentices Abigal Stanley, DSTL their knowledge and skills alongside to expand their knowledge in this way, traditional marine engineering to help and it’s a great privilege to preserve Hamlet Jules, London continue giving the former Royal Navy history for generations to come.” Richard O’Sullivan, Helston vessel a new lease of life. It is intended that further similar Christopher Mason, Tewkesbury Steam Pinnaces were small vessels opportunities will be made available so Steven Martinez, ABW carried aboard larger ships and would future DE&S apprentices can expand have a variety to duties including their skillset. Adrian Jordan, ABW ferrying passengers and mail, conveying Michael Hudd, ABW Malcolm Broadbent, ABW

34 desider August 2017 DE&S PEOPLE

Life-long servants retire

E&S employee Eric Clarke has retired afer completing 50 years Dwith the Ministry of Defence having joined the organisation aged just 15. Eric started his career as a Juvenile trainee /semi-skilled labourer at Central Ordnance Depot (COD) Chilwell in Nottinghamshire, before moving to Germany and fnally, in 1986 to MOD Longtown in Cumbria. Te experience he gained in stores at these sites resulted in him fnishing his career as Head of Ammunition, Packaging, Inert, Drill, and Materiel (APIDM). During his career Eric won a Certifcate of Achievement for “I joined the MoD on the July 31, whilst playing cricket, and took two exemplary service and his department 1967, at a place called COD Chilwell at weeks of - my last recorded sick won a CDM commendation and a the tender age of just 15; wet behind the absence in 22 years! Ministerial Acquisition Award. ears and fresh out of school. “Without doubt I am a very lucky Now 65 Eric, (pictured at COD “Afer some time in stores in and very proud civil servant; if I could Chilwell in 1981 and recently) chose to Germany, in 1986, I transferred to choose my time again then the civil end his career on July 31 to fnish on MOD Longtown where I managed 284 service I’m sure would be at the top of the day he started – 50 years on. Explosive storehouses in 2,000 acres my list.” Eric told Desider: “I‘ve had an before moving over in 1995 to take Joe Mitchell, DM Longtown Head of exciting and privileged career. I’ve met charge of all non-explosives in four Establishment, said: “I don’t think I’ve lots of wonderful people and taken diferent northern sites, Longtown ever met anyone with a stronger work charge of many diferent disciplines in Cumbria being its central focus. ethic than Eric Clarke.” diferent locations. “In 1995 I had a mild heart attack

he DE&S Policy Secretariat He built up excellent working has said goodbye to one of relationships with colleagues across Tits longest-serving staf, Tony defence and was particularly well- Dudman, who has retired afer nearly regarded for his expert Freedom of 38 years in the MOD. Information advice. Tony’s Civil Service career began Tony said: “Te Civil Service has more than 40 years ago in the been a wonderful career. Far from being Northern Ireland Ofce, before he staid or stufy, my experience has been transferred to the MOD in 1979. of a service with vibrancy. Since 1979 it For nearly 20 years, Tony provided has been my honour to provide support essential supplies to the Royal Navy, and advice to our Armed Forces, in roles that took him around the Ministers and, indeed the general country. public, and I have been fortunate to Afer moving to Abbey Wood, work with amazing people. During Tony spent the last 11 years of his the last ten years, it was my privilege career as part of the Secretariat team, to work in the fnest Secretariat in the providing advice on a huge range of MOD, something of which DE&S can defence equipment-related subjects to be truly proud.” Ministers and senior ofcials.

embers of the Land Domain Head, said: “Lessons such as these HQ conducted a battlefeld can be drawn from intelligent study Mstudy in Warwickshire to of any confict or battle. “Battlefeld see what lessons could be learnt and Study is an efective, enjoyable way of brought back to DE&S. causing people to think about work and Tey visited the English Civil War generate ideas that are as useful and Battle of Edgehill (1642) which is relevant today in ABW as they were in adjacent to DM Kineton. 1642.” Te study highlighted valuable Tere are over 500 battlefelds in lessons that are as relevant to us today England alone, many accessible from as they were 375 years ago, such as Bristol, together with other more communication working best if it’s contemporary locations for study, simple, clear and timely; and having including where the military has standardised, rehearsed processes in provided aid to the civil powers – for place lead to successful outcomes. example, fooding on the Somerset Brigadier Doug Gibson, DE&S Land Levels or around Gloucester. Domain and Army Customer Team

desider August 2017 35 Picture shows the Royal Marine’ s Viking amphibious vehicle under the Mojave Desert night sky

P icture: LPhot Joel Pouse