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Issue 140 April 2020 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support
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[email protected] Foreworde are in the midst of Admiral Nick Hine and Deputy the biggest challenge Chief of the Defence Staff Wthis country has faced (DCDS), Air Marshal Richard in decades. It is a global crisis Knighton. It was fascinating which affects us right into our to hear their insights on the homes, where most of you will complex strategic landscape have been working for a couple and their views on the future of of weeks now. how we might operate and fight "We will emerge from this crisis more The first priority for all of us effectively in the modern world. is to protect ourselves, our The first Ministerial group resilient and determined than ever" families and the rest of society on Equipment and Capability by following government COVID Cooperation (MECC) held 19 guidelines. However, the since December 2018 took need to defend the nation does place in March and was not pause and neither does chaired by Germany’s State our duty to continue to play Secretary Benedikt Zimmer our part. This will require us all and our Minister for Defence to adapt and work out how to Procurement, Jeremy Quin. strike a balance. Many will be Invaluable discussions able to work from home, but covered a host of key topics many involved in the physical and programmes including the task of logistics delivery, or who Integrated Review, Industrial have responsibilities requiring Strategy, UK-Germany Defence a physical presence on site for Roadmap, plus a wide range of business or operational reasons programme issues. It was my cannot. absolute pleasure to meet with This is a rapidly changing the group and talk with pride landscape and I am proud that about the projects we deliver despite difficult professional and the cost-effective support and domestic circumstances, we provide. our people have already shown In terms of recent milestones, the determination, agility and Sea Venom has achieved ability to get on with the job and successful missile-firing trials support each other. off the South coast of France We are now on an operational – a major step towards the footing and accepting tasks introduction into service of the from across government and weapon system. I must also the NHS to support the national highlight the hard work from By Sir Simon Bollom, CEO effort. The challenge is ramping a number of people that has up and will require careful resulted in those with disabilities prioritisation of our day-to-day and injured ex-military personnel work. being given the chance to fly As we continue to support decommissioned RAF Vigilant defence-critical outputs, we T1 gliders. are working hard with our Finally, I’d like to pay tribute military customers and industry to Director of Strategy and partners to focus on some of Change, Barry Burton, who the practical challenges we have retired at the end of March. to overcome. I am personally Barry has been a superb continuing to work closely with servant to both the MOD and MOD at the most senior level DE&S, making a tremendous to determine those priorities contribution to Defence over and how they flow down to us many years. in terms of supporting defence I am acutely aware that this needs in the short-term. will be an anxious time for many Before this pandemic arose, of you. Stay safe and look after we enjoyed a busy month at yourselves, loved ones and your DE&S, with visits to Abbey community. We will emerge from Wood from Chief of the Defence this crisis more resilient and Staff (CDS), General Sir Nick determined than ever. Carter, 2nd Sea Lord (2SL) Vice
3 desider April 2020 Contents Contents www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2020 Twitter: @DefenceES On the cover Facebook: @DefenceES Clockwise from top left: RAF Atlas A400M, Wildcat helicopter HMA Mk2, two RAF Benson Puma 2 LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support helicopters and Chinook HC4 helicopter YouTube: DE&S Photos by Cpl Tim Laurence RAF, Si Ethell, Sgt Mitch Moore RAF and Amy Lupton
Editor: Tom Morris - 0117 9137888 [email protected]
Contributors: Louisa Keefe, Louise Allford, Lowri Jones, Daniel Evans, Ash Pitman, Hannah Swingler and Paul McLennan
Photography and Design: Katherine Williams, Jack Eckersley, Charlie Perham, Beth Squire, Mark Hawke and Andrew Linnett
Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 [email protected]
Advertising Manager: Edwin Rodrigues [email protected] +44 (0) 20 3411 1008
Printing desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK and www.des.mod.uk. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.
© Crown Copyright Cover story 7DE&S kit playing essential role in COVID-19 response
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4 desider April 2020 Contents
6Senior Leader Comment 8Sea Venom 12Barry Burton Chris Bushell, Chief of Firing trials a success Reflects on his rich and Materiel (Land) varied career
14FC Bisa 16First Person 18Mode 5 22MAMBA Upgrade for digital sensor- Engineering Services team Innovative friend or foe Contract awarded for life- to-shooter system leader, Phil Savvides technology saving radar system
23Minesweeper trials 24Determined to work at 28International Women’s Day Autonomous system DE&S after experiencing Women’s Network annual conference hosts inspiring success in Canada roadside accident speakers and workshops
5 desider April 2020 Senior Leader Comment
Chris Bushell, Chief of Materiel (Land), talks to Desider about his role, his first few months in post and his reflections on how DE&S compares to industry
t’s been 10 years since I last across my operating centres and previous experience to influence worked at DE&S. Back then, I functional areas, walking the floor our practices to benefit the Land was an Air Commodore in the plates and visiting regional sites, I believe there domain and DE&S as a whole. IRoyal Air Force (RAF) deployed where almost 1,000 of my 4,000 are several One is bringing a more as the Typhoon integrated project staff are based. collaborative approach to our team leader. But, in December Since then, I’ve been regularly ways I can use programmes. At Leonardo, I was 2019, I returned as Chief of visiting industry partners. For my previous the senior responsible officer Materiel (Land). example, I’ve been to Merthyr for Team Tempest, a highly- Over the last decade, I have Tydfil for Ajax, Ampthill to experience collaborative programme between completed my final RAF tour see Warrior and Telford with to influence industry and RAF Air Command supporting the export of Typhoon Boxer and Challenger – and will where each was an equal partner. to Oman. After leaving the continue to do so. our practices It resulted in a win-win situation service I moved into industry From my experience, there are to benefit the for all concerned and is an for seven years, working at a lot of similarities between DE&S approach I’d like to encourage. Leonardo – a company many of and industry, particularly in areas Land domain I also have a lot of international you will be familiar with and is like prioritisation of resources and DE&S as experience. When I look at predominantly responsible for and delivery of programmes. a whole our programmes within the helicopters and electronics. Of course, there are also some domain, there are some with In all honesty, I hadn’t planned differences. Industry by design international elements but they’re on returning to DE&S, but the is more agile, it’s able to move relatively minor. That’s another challenge of being CoM (Land) resources around quicker and can area I’m looking to capitalise on enticed me back. It is not a role recruit new staff at a faster pace. opportunities. you’d naturally expect me to take, We’re rightly moving in that Of course, my top priority but I believe my mix of military direction although we tend to put will always be delivering and industry background will the brakes on more heavily, simply our equipment and support help me add significant value. So because we’re a public body programmes on time and budget, far, I have found learning about spending taxpayer’s money. But in a safe manner. It’s why we’re the Army very enjoyable and coming back into DE&S, I have here and it’s the challenge I look appreciate how welcoming the seen a sharp improvement from forward to facing most as CoM senior commanders have been. before in the capacity and quality (Land). During my first few weeks of our project management, I have intentionally focused project controls and commercial on looking inwards at the activity. organisation. I have also chosen Looking ahead, I believe there to prioritise meeting people are several ways I can use my
6 desider April 2020 News
DE&S staff proud to see world-beating equipment play key role in ongoing COVID-19 response Pictured: DE&S are playing an essential role in supporting UK efforts to fight COVID-19 by procuring the very best kit and services (Picture by LPhot Kyle Heller)
E&S staff are delighted will provide round-the-clock airborne intensive care treatment some of the platforms The world class support to the NHS and South for up to four stretcher-bound they have procured and Western Ambulance Service. patients, having achieved its full Dcontinue to support are helping the equipment we procure In preparation, they have been aeromedical evacuation capability armed forces in their effort to help and support will stripped out so they can carry for high dependency and highly tackle the COVID-19 virus. help our emergency stretchers, passengers and infectious patients in 2018 Three RAF Puma helicopters services save lives in equipment over long distances. The A400M was called on will be stationed at Kinloss the national response These helicopter facilities have short notice on March 22 to assist Barracks in Moray and will work to the COVID-19 crisis been set up to support medical with a COVID-19 recovery task, alongside a Chinook and Wildcat transports across Scotland and the air-lifting a patient from the helicopter based at RAF Leeming Graham Russell, Director rest of the UK. The new task force Shetlands to Aberdeen hospital. in North Yorkshire to meet any Helicopters at DE&S will also be available for general As part of the wider Defence requests for assistance from NHS support such as moving equipment response to the COVID-19 crisis, boards and trusts across Scotland and personnel across the wider A400Ms along with forces from and Northern England. UK. the Joint Helicopter Command, A second helicopter facility will Graham Russell, Director are on stand-by to provide aviation cover the Midlands and Southern Helicopters at DE&S, said: “I am capability in support to civil England working out of The proud of the way in which our authorities. Aviation Task Force Headquarters people have assisted our front-line A400M Delivery team leader, at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. forces to deploy our helicopters Nick Moore, said: “In addition to Chinook and Wildcat helicopters and specialist capabilities across its unique versatility as a tactical normally based at RAF Odiham the country in support of local airlifter with global reach, A400M and RNAS Yeovilton respectively government and the NHS. has a comprehensive aeromedical will support the Southern areas. The world class equipment we evacuation capability. While we Furthermore, three Royal Navy procure and support will help obviously would hope that this Merlin helicopters will be used our emergency services save lives is called upon infrequently in as flying air ambulances across in the national response to the normal times, the whole team is the South West in response to the COVID-19 crisis.” nevertheless extremely proud that coronavirus pandemic. This Kinloss-based support the aircraft has been able to assist The Mk2 Merlins, based in followed the use of an RAF a member of the public while Culdrose, Cornwall, will also be A400M transport aircraft to assist playing its role in the national used to transport medical staff and the Scottish Ambulance Service effort against COVID-19.” deliver emergency supplies across as part of the response to the an area stretching from the Isles of COVID-19 crisis. Scilly up to Bristol. A400M is the RAF’s newest and The helicopters which are most advanced transport aircraft usually used to track submarines and can be configured to provide
7 desider April 2020 News
Sea Venom missile firing trial a success Pictured: Sea Venom anti-ship weapon achieves milestone off the South coast of France (Picture submitted by Direction générale de l’armement (DGA))
he first qualification firing “This success at the third armaments co-operation between trial of a new anti-ship Our team, together development trials represents the UK and France. missile has been a success. a major milestone towards the The meeting was an opportunity TMBDA, which is developing Sea with their French introduction into service of the to re-affirm at the highest level Venom/Anti‐Navire Léger (ANL) colleagues, are Sea Venom weapon system for the the importance of the bilateral for use on the Royal Navy’s AW159 working hard to Royal Navy.” relationship in Defence and the Wildcat helicopters, achieved the ensure the Royal Sea Venom is a purpose-built will to maintain strong co- milestone at the DGA Essais de Navy continue to anti-ship missile being jointly operation in the field of UK- missiles test site near Ile du Levant, have the cutting-edge developed by the UK and France. French military capabilities in off the South coast of France. technology they need It will be used by Wildcat and will particular. The missile was launched from be suitable for a wide range of to protect our nation a French DGA procurement platforms, as well as supporting agency-owned Dauphin helicopter Chris Harris, DE&S the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft and reached its cruise phase while LMAS team leader carriers. skimming low to the sea. Replacing Sea Skua, it is being The air crew then used images designed to safely engage hostile from the infrared seeker to aim the vessels amongst civilian ones and missile manually and it went on to could be used on a range of targets accurately hit its target. from small, fast-moving craft This latest firing builds on two through to larger ships. previous trials which tested Sea The Sea Venom programme has Venom’s lock on after launch seen about 200 highly-skilled jobs (LOAL) and lock on before sustained at MBDA, based mainly launch (LOBL) capabilities, as in Bristol and Stevenage. well as its low altitude flying and Minister for Defence autonomous guidance systems. Procurement, Jeremy Quin, Chris Harris, Lightweight and France’s délégué general pour Medium Attack Systems (LMAS) l’armement, Joël Barre, and DE&S team leader at DE&S, said: “Our CEO Sir Simon Bollom co-chaired team, together with their French the High-Level Working Group colleagues, are working hard to (HLWG) in London last month. ensure the Royal Navy continue to Established by the 2010 have the cutting-edge technology Lancaster House Treaties, the they need to protect our nation in HLWG is the most senior body an ever-changing world. responsible for steering bilateral
8 desider April 2020 News RBS15 Come rain or shine
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9 desider April 2020 News In Brief
Unveiling of AS90 turret simulators Members of the Training & Simulations Systems Programme (TSSP) team recently attended an open day in Larkhill, Wiltshire to celebrate the successful launch of the AS90 turret simulators. The day marked the official unveiling of the simulators where attendees were able to view the new training platforms that will be used for army training purposes. The AS90 is a high-fidelity motion-based trainer that simulates action of the loading system, breech mechanism and fire-control system and is New coolers to support UK aircraft used to train crew positions of commander, gunner and loader, Large-bodied RAF aircraft will environments of large-bodied year. The replacement solution ensuring soldiers are correctly be supported by new specialised aircraft to be conditioned with will provide greater reliability and trained and prepared for battle. coolers as part of a multi-million cool, dry air without running the lower annual support costs. It is Brigadier and Army pound contract. aircraft’s engines. This allows all more environmentally friendly, representative Mark Pullen said: The 25 large aircraft coolers aircraft avionic systems to be fully as it uses a smaller amount of “The facility is world class and a will be used to protect the mission tested and maintenance activities refrigerant (F-Gas). vital training acquisition for the critical systems of E-3D Sentry, to be undertaken pre-flight. Even The new coolers will be army. It’s been great to celebrate Rivet Joint (Air Seeker), Sentinel in the cooler UK climate, aircraft deployed at RAF Waddington, the collaborative work with G3 R1, Poseidon, C-17, A400M, avionic systems generate a certain RAF Wittering and on overseas systems and TSSP in DE&S that Voyager and C-130. Due to the amount of heat when operating. operations. has gone into producing this universal design of the coolers, If this build-up of heat is not Air Commodities Delivery excellent training facility for the it is anticipated that they will be dealt with, it would eventually Team, part of the Air Domain, A r my.” suitable for use on future aircraft have a detrimental impact on the placed the contract with Babcock The two simulators were moved projects. serviceability of mission-critical on February 7. Trials of the new from Gutersloh Germany and Explaining why the coolers are systems.” coolers, manufactured by JBT Tidworth across to Larkhill and needed, James Wiggins, head of The new aircraft coolers will AeroTech, will start shortly. The collectively the two turret trainers projects for Air Commodities at replace an older model, which has equipment will then enter service have fired almost 70,000 rounds DE&S, said: “There is a regular reached the end of its service life at the start of 2021. at an operational availability of requirement for the internal and costs more to support each more than 95 per cent, which has saved DE&S in the region of £140 million in armament spend alone. When added to the additional savings in weapon and vehicle maintenance the financial benefit to the UK MOD is even greater.
Chief of the Defence Staff visits Abbey Wood General Sir Nick Carter this raises the question of how we visited MOD Abbey Wood, protect ourselves, and emphasised giving his perspective on the the need to think carefully complex strategic landscape, both about how we hold adversaries, politically within the UK and on a capabilities at risk rather than more global scale. simply trying to protect ourselves He said: “I’m always educated from everything they are doing. when I come to DE&S. You see Sir Nick concluded that in the reality of what is happening a post-Brexit world there were on the ground and you perform many opportunities for Defence; an indispensable function, and I the trick would be to ensure we thank you for all you do.” have the right balance between Highlighting the Integrated the ends that the Government Review, CDS raised the fact that sets us, and the ways and means the UK has found itself in the that are necessary to deliver those dawn of an era of “great power ends. competition, acknowledging that
10 desider April 2020 News In Brief
HMS Defender returns from seven month deployment With a 270-strong crew, HMS Defender has returned home to Portsmouth after accompanying British-flagged tankers and cargo ships through troubled waters as well as making two significant drug seizures. Instead of a six-month patrol of the Far East as originally planned, the Type 45 destroyer was diverted to the Middle East last summer to join other Royal Navy vessels accompanying British merchant shipping into and out of the Gulf, through the Strait of Hormuz. HMS Defender supported international security missions The RAF has received the newest such as Operation Sentinel, the global response to the threat to addition to the P-8A Poseidon fleet shipping in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and Combined Task Kinloss Barracks recently saw The Poseidon fleet will provide Force 150, which attempts to curb the arrival of the Royal Air Force’s a dedicated anti-submarine terrorist and smuggling activities second P-8A Poseidon maritime and anti-surface warfare in the Indian Ocean. patrol aircraft. The plane has capability, carrying out extended HMS Defender spent 184 days been named the ‘City of Elgin’, surveillance missions at both high in the Gulf and her 270-strong reflecting the strong links the RAF and low altitudes. ship’s company had just a has with the area. The jets are equipped with fortnight’s break during their 222 This aircraft will join the first cutting-edge sensors that use days away, eating 18 tonnes of one, the ‘Pride of Moray’, which high-resolution area mapping to meat, 26 tonnes of potatoes and arrived in early February. find both surface and sub-surface 30,000 eggs. The pair will operate from threats and, as further capability Normally, there would be Kinloss until the Poseidon force is added and the fleet size grows, hundreds of family and friends is relocated to its permanent will be capable of attacking both on the return jetty waiting for home at nearby RAF Lossiemouth surface and sub-surface targets. the sailors to disembark, but to later this year, following the help preserve good health the completion of infrastructure work homecoming was cancelled. at the site.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin impressed by Boxer production Minister for Defence programme. Procurement Jeremy Quin Min DP, Mr Quin, said: “This recently visited Telford-based visit illustrates yet another RBSL ahead of production of example of how Defence is the new state-of-the-art Boxer levelling-up the UK economy armoured vehicle. through creating and sustaining RBSL will build, assemble, skilled jobs in military vehicle integrate and test the armoured manufacturing.” vehicle structures at its Telford The programme is supported facility in the West Midlands. by a supply chain across Wales The company was named as and Scotland and the West one of the vehicle manufacturers Midlands, alongside northern by ARTEC, the consortium powerhouse cities, demonstrating awarded a £2.3 billion contract the Government’s commitment last year to deliver 500 Boxer 8×8 to levelling up through defence high mobility, network-enabled sector employment across the UK. armoured vehicles. Initially, the Army will buy a The Minister was given a tour mixture of the troop-carrying of the company’s site and met with variant, ambulances, command the workforce, including newly- vehicles and a variant designed to recruited apprentices who have carry military equipment. been brought in to work on the
11 desider April 2020 Feature
12
desider April 2020 FeatureNews
Barry Burton – reflections on his time with MOD and DE&S
Barry Burton, Director of Strategy and Change at DE&S, is retiring after 42 years with the MOD. He told Desider’s Louisa Keefe about how Defence had given him a rich and varied career
What has been the highlight of your time here days; particularly so as we grapple with COVID at DE&S? 19. As an organisation we are on a trajectory that A highlight for me would be when we merged will enable us to continue to better deliver the the procurement and logistics organisations programme that we’re asked to deliver and to make together very quickly in 2007 and created the DE&S a great place to work. DE&S brand. We brought together two very different cultures, two different-sized and How do you hope DE&S changes when you’ve geographically-dispersed organisations, to become gone? a single entity with a common purpose. We I hope that we manage the challenges that we recognised that there was a good reason to do have coming towards us, whether it's a digital space what we were doing, found a way of doing it and environment, the integrated review or spending delivered it at pace. I think it’s too easy to agonise reviews, or pressures on resources. I hope whatever over change and try to get everything to a perfect challenge we face doesn't detract from our ability position. The reality is, you have a better chance of to continue to focus on supporting the armed success if you make a bold decision, be clear about forces. It's important that we build our capacity what you are trying to achieve and get on with it. and capability to do that crucial role and become That’s what we did in 2007 and again in 2014 when ever more productive. we became a Bespoke Trading Entity. What are your next steps? What has been the most challenging part of What I'm really looking forward to is not having your career? to commute three plus hours each day, as I have I spent six months in Baghdad in 2004 for far too long, and of course spending more time as a policy advisor. Being in an operational with my family. In the past, I’ve sat on the Board environment, where the warfighting had just of Trustees for a charity and have been the chair of finished and the nation building was starting, governance for a secondary school, so I might do a brought many challenges for me, personally. I bit more of that. I enjoy being busy but now is the had to cope with a very different and demanding time to manage the work-life balance a bit better. environment, working ridiculously long hours and avoiding the rockets that were regularly landing What do you want to say to your colleagues as in the green zone in Baghdad; and of course, also you depart DE&S? getting things done. For me it was a constant Thank you for your exceptional efforts. Any reminder of what we ask our armed forces to do success that anybody has in any job is always built and why the role of DE&S is so important. on the work of a team and we are hugely blessed by having extremely capable and impressive people What advice would you give to those facing across DE&S. Please don’t be downtrodden. We adversity within DE&S? deliver a very complicated programme, very I’d focus on outputs. The real unique selling professionally, to a very grateful set of customers proposition of DE&S is its staff’s willingness and we should never lose sight of that. and ability to get things done in support of the armed services. I’d simply say to anybody who's struggling in DE&S is to remember what we're here for - it gets you through the most difficult
13 desider April 2020 News
Upgraded digital sensor-to-shooter system allows allied nations to share tactical information Pictured: The FC BISA sensor-to-shooter digital system used on the AS90 self-propelled artillery gun (Picture by Cpl Sam Jenkins)
he Artillery Systems team in the whereabouts of a target to a relationship with Artillery Systems Land Equipment is rolling The success of this weapon system which the Royal and industry as well as working out an updated, innovative, Artillery or infantry will use to more closely with other nations, all is down to a close Tsensor-to-shooter digital system destroy said target. of which are taking the same steps that is able to transfer strategic working relationship The data transfer is almost as the UK to develop their systems. operational commands between with Artillery Systems instant but there are built-in safety “When developing a fire control nation forces in seconds. and industry as well features which means that before system for the end user, as well as The Fire Control Battlefield as working more any shots are fired, the information interoperability, it’s the exchanges Information System Application closely with other is checked and verified by a in ideas and interpreting a task (FC BISA) is a Command, nations safety officer first. Safety is key from different perspectives, from Control, Communications, throughout this process. industry and our allies, that shapes Computation and Intelligence Michael Constable, project The introduction of the ASCA how we move forward.” system (C4I) that generates firing manager for FC BISA network will allow full digital fires FC BISA was first brought into data for artillery and mortars. It from sensor to shooter across service with the Royal Artillery operates on the Bowman ComBAT national digital boundaries quickly in 2008 and was designed to be a Infrastructure and Platform and safely with no language fully networked and interoperable (BCIP) system and is supported by barrier.” digital fires capability. This latest CGI IT and Business Consulting The Royal Artillery Trials & iteration of the system – version UK ltd. Development Unit (RATDU) is 4 – is being introduced in line The team is working with the Multiple Launch Rocket System the lead user in the development with capability updates to the Artillery Systems Co-operation (MLRS), the AS90 self-propelled of FC BISA v4 and the ASCA software which is used across Activities (ASCA) network – a gun, the light gun and mortars, programme. Since re-joining the the BOWMAN BCIP 5.6 system. community of allied forces – to which are weapon systems used programme and becoming full The first tranche of updates have build new software into FC BISA by the infantry for close-support members in 2018, the UK fielded already been introduced to limited that will allow the British Army firing. an ASCA terminal for the field systems and the second and to share information with other Michael Constable, FC BISA Army in December 2019 and are third tranches are expected to be forces and allow them to identify project manager, said: “This is now in the process of developing introduced in Spring 2021 and and fire at hostile targets between a digital system which transfers the next version. Summer 2022 across the entire them. information from the soldier or Michael added: “The success BICIP 5.6 network. It will be used across the sensor to gather intelligence on of this is down to a close working
14 Do you know someone who’s made an impact? Nominate them for the IET Achievement Awards.
theiet.org/achievement
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom. Picture: Beth Squire desider April 2020 DE&S People
On teamwork, leadership and astronomy
Phil Savvides is the Engineering Services team leader for the Directorate of Engineering and Safety, which is bringing together technical teams to deliver a unified service
What does your role involve? didn’t work towards common of the experts to work across I lead Engineering Services, goals, collaborate together to organisational boundaries to part of the Engineering & Safety develop realistic solutions, share develop viable solutions. This has Directorate, which is a team of knowledge and successful practice not always been easy because as subject matter experts that helps and above all learn from our an engineer I am naturally curious projects understand what technical mistakes. and want to understand how areas they need to consider, what everything works. some of the risks are and share How are you helping embed any successful practice. My role change in your area? What do you enjoy doing in is predominately about bringing your spare time? together a disparate team of Big scale organisational changes technical people to deliver a are difficult to influence, but small When my daughter started coherent service that can provide changes are something that we at her school, I was excited to benefit and value to as many can all do and can make a real learn about the observatory delivery teams as possible. difference. I try to be flexible to that had been donated by the change, adapt and be positive. I family of an ex-pupil who had think my approach to change is subsequently worked for NASA. What about your role is probably best summed up in one Unfortunately, in the five years exciting, rewarding or of my favourite children’s books, since its installation it had fallen interesting? The Lion Inside: “if you want into disrepair as no-one really Once someone described things to change, you first have to knew how to use it. I joined the Defence to me as a multi-layered change you.” local Worcester Astronomical set of different jigsaw puzzles Society and found someone who where all the pieces have been built his own telescopes, and was Why did you choose to pursue only too willing to help resurrect scrambled together but, at some a career in DE&S? point, somebody had lost the the telescope. Since then I have picture showing how it all fits Having been an Air Cadet for been able to indulge in a little together. The Engineering & Safety more than 12 years I almost joined recreational star gazing and help Directorate is a fascinating place the RAF but wasn’t convinced the school enhance its educational to work because we are, in part, about the regimentation or programme. helping to bring structure and uncontrolled postings. I joined order to the Defence-wide puzzle the engineering graduate training scheme (DESG), which enabled What might surprise people by tackling the difficult problems about you? that cut across organisational me to work at the forefront of boundaries and that do not technology and remain in control My father, a Greek Cypriot, was always have a natural customer of my own destiny. I often wonder sent to England when he was 16 to or champion. Every day I learn what would have happened if I had learn how to become a mechanic. something new or make new joined the RAF. He was not allowed to 1) stay in discoveries about how Defence England or 2) marry an English works and fits together. This is woman. He did both, and later What do you most enjoy about became a lecturer in automotive what interests me and keeps me your job? motivated in my role. systems. If it wasn’t for my I really enjoy the leadership father’s disregard for his family’s challenge of my job, which instruction it is unlikely that I How important to you is although difficult can be extremely would have ever pursued a career teamwork? rewarding. I lead a number of in engineering. Teamwork is the backbone of interdependent technical teams the organisation, without which that have deep subject matter there would be no prospect of expertise. This provides me with us delivering effective capability a challenge because I have to for Defence. Our jobs are hard consciously balance my desire enough as it is and would be to understand all the detail with nearly impossible if people trust in the knowledge and skills
17 desider April 2020 News
New system reduces the risk of friendly fire Pictured: Mode 5 project has initiated - and in some cases already completed - successful trials on several platforms including the T23 frigate (Picture by LPhot Alex Ceolin)
next-generation system onto platforms and initial in- platforms. These include Puma, that identifies friendly Mode 5 ensures our service support. The team also Merlin, Chinook, Type 102 radar, aircraft, helicopters and provides IFF technical support to Watchkeeper, Type 23 frigate and Aships as well as potential threats Servicemen and DE&S platform delivery teams. mine countermeasure vessels. and targets is being rolled out women can operate The UK’s Mode 5 project covers Robin added: “The Mode 5 across multiple UK platforms. confidently alongside legacy in-service platforms and project has started to see initial Mode 5 uses advanced the UK’s allies and has been designed to give UK successes following inaugural cryptographic techniques partners units a clear and secure view flight and sea trials. It’s required a and world-leading electronic of potential threats and targets, whole-team approach with DE&S technology to allow UK land, Robin Kelly, DE&S Mode 5 providing a powerful cyber shield and industry teams working hand- sea and air units to quickly project manager against jamming and interference in-glove. identify friendly forces, thereby intended to reduce vital situational The trials enable DE&S delivery operating safely alongside NATO awareness. The system is used teams to declare acceptance of allies across any battlefield and and mandated by NATO and Mode 5 for their own platform. significantly reducing the risk of used by several close allies, with Each one is an important fratricide. each country responsible for milestone as this then allows the The current system that is being making their own platforms Mode modification to be rolled out used will cease this year and, 5-enabled. across the whole fleet.” without Mode 5 – its replacement Robin Kelly, Mode 5 project system – the UK would be unable manager at DE&S, said: “Mode to deploy on coalition operations 5 significantly reduces the risk overseas. of friendly fire and ensures our The MOD has invested servicemen and women can £260 million in installing the operate confidently alongside secure Identify Friend or Foe the UK’s allies and partners. The (IFF) technology to 31 types of challenge for the Mode 5 team and aircraft, ship, vehicles and even its stakeholders has been to deliver radar through the Mode 5 project this critical capability across - that’s more than 400 individual multiple platforms whilst facing platforms covering air, land and a demanding, immoveable sunset maritime environments. date for the legacy system.” The DE&S Mode 5 team in the In recent months – the Mode Air Support Operating Centre 5 project has initiated – and in leads the contract with Leonardo some cases already completed MW on the design, integration – successful trials on several
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desider April 2020 News
MOD Glider sale set to bring joy to lives of many Pictured: Aerobility will be able to provide 1,600 more people with flying experiences every year after buying the decommissioned aircraft from the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (Picture by Geoffrey Lee, Planefocus)
otor gliders used to train RAF Vigilant T1 gliders move on of disabled people by giving them thousands of RAF Air Some of our most to a new lease of life, in particular the unrivalled sense of freedom Cadets will get a new supporting the excellent work through the magic of flight. We Mlease of life and bring joy to people successful pilots of Aerobility in creating flying are extremely grateful to the with disabilities and injured ex- learnt to fly in a glider experiences and opportunities for Ministry of Defence, Department military personnel. and I’m encouraged those who might otherwise never for Transport and our various The Defence Equipment Sales to see the work get the chance to fly.” partners for supporting us in this Authority (DESA) at DE&S has of charities like Transport Secretary Grant ambitious project. sold 63 decommissioned Vigilant Aerobility offering Shapps said: “General aviation “Not only will it help us build T1 aircraft to Aerobility, a charity similar experiences is the engine room of the entire capacity for our future operations, which provides flying experiences aviation sector, so it’s vital that it will enable us to expand the to those who might otherwise to people who may people from all backgrounds can charity to support more disabled never get a chance to take to the otherwise miss out access it. people and to do so at additional skies. “Some of our most successful locations around the UK.” Grant Shapps, The first batch of 10 gliders will pilots learnt to fly in a glider and The sale will create four Transport Secretary be modified and refurbished by I’m encouraged to see the work of full-time engineering jobs, one German company GROB Aircraft charities like Aerobility offering project management role and one SE – the original manufacturer similar experiences to people who administration position at the and Design Authority – to meet may otherwise miss out.” charity. They will also need a full- civil certification standards. Glider modifications will time co-ordinator and a part-time The remaining aircraft will include new engines, propellers flying instructor, with all positions be engineered and recertified in and refurbished cockpits, and the being filled by candidates with a the UK, where the charity has charity hopes the first glider will disability where possible. identified a qualified engineering be ready to fly in the summer of partner in Southern Sailplanes, 2021. based in West Berkshire. Aircraft that aren’t used for Hampshire-based Aerobility flights will be refurbished and sold will initially more than double its to generate revenue for the charity, fleet with eight Vigilants thanks to pay for the ongoing costs of their a grant from the Department for operational fleet and help them Transport (DfT), meaning they branch out into other parts of the will be able to help about 2,600 British Isles. people into the air every year Aerobility’s CEO Mike Miller- compared to 1,000 currently. Smith said: “Acquiring these Clive Walker, head of DESA, aircraft will help us transform the said: “I am very pleased to see the lives of an even greater number
20 Project Manager Graduate Commercial FIND YOUR FUTURE Engineer Finance Business Manager Business Manager Communications Communications Project Controller Project Controller Human Resources Human Resources Security Security des.mod.uk A new home for careers at DE&S desider April 2020 News
Multi-million pound contract awarded to secure life-saving weapon locating radar systems Pictured: A Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Asset Radar in Al Amarah, Iraq being used by K Battery 5 Regt Royal Artillery (Picture by Graeme Main, Crown Copyright)
E&S have awarded a £46 DE&S, will see the company work to troops on the front line by million contract to extend with the Royal Artillery’s 5th detecting incoming hostile fire. It Providing the best the British Army’s use of regiment based in Catterick, to is a highly-mobile weapon locating Dits Mobile Artillery Monitoring ensure the capability remains in system, used for tasks including possible equipment Battlefield Asset (MAMBA) service until 2026. counter-battery missions and fire to our troops is what weapon-locating radar systems. Team leader Colonel Jeremy control, tactically deployed close we do best, and I am The contract secures the Sharpe, said: “Providing the to the forward line of troops. delighted that we have continued use of the life-saving best possible equipment to our Within the battlefield sectors or now secured the future critical operational counter-fire troops is what we do best, and I other areas of interest, MAMBA of MAMBA for the next capability that has been in service am delighted that we have now rapidly detects and tracks artillery six years since 2003, supporting operations secured the future of MAMBA for projectiles and calculates points of in both Iraq and Afghanistan. the next six years.” origin and points of impact. Colonel Jeremy Sharpe, The contract, awarded to SAAB The MAMBA system works by Based on the calculations team leader by the Artillery Systems team at giving advanced warning signals produced by MAMBA, priorities
are made and directions are provided for effective counter- battery fire. In fire control mode, MAMBA will track the projectiles of own fire and extrapolate the points of impact. In sense and warn mode, extrapolation of points of impact of incoming fire will trigger a timely warning to its own troops. Deliveries of the MAMBA mid-life extension will take place between 2022 and 2023, with the support contract covering 2020 to 2026. SAAB will carry out the work in Gothenburg, Sweden, with support also taking place at 5th Regiment Royal Artillery’s Barracks in Catterick, UK. Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: “MAMBA has long proven itself as a battle-winning capability, protecting civilians and troops on operations for many years. Our troops in Catterick will work alongside our counterparts at SAAB to ensure this life-saving piece of equipment remains in service for the next six years.” Work is already underway to explore which capability will replace MAMBA when it goes out of service. Currently, the Army is considering SERPENS – a next generation weapon locating system with a digitally-networked suite of sensor systems that detect hostile mortars, artillery and rockets. This is still in the early stages of its concept phase and subject to further research and development.
22 desider April 2020 News
Royal Navy’s autonomous minesweeper system receives praise for success during cold-weather trials The SWEEP system recently underwent a two-week period of cold weather sea trials in Nova Scotia (Pictures submitted by MHC team)
he SWEEP minesweeper unmanned surface vehicles. This obtained from these cold-weather system –designed to defeat We are a step closer successful trial of an innovative Trials in Canada will be a key the threat of underwater sea and autonomous minesweeping contributor to the manufacture of Tmines and safely clear sea lanes – to delivering a truly capability in extreme weathers a robust and reliable operational has recently proven its capabilities transformational means we are a step closer to minesweeping system in the near during two weeks of cold-weather capability to the delivering a truly transformational future, reinstating a minesweeping sea trials. Royal Navy capability to the Royal Navy.” capability into the Royal Navy.” Developed by Atlas Electronic These latest trials were used Operated remotely or in the (AEUK) as part of a £13 million Barry Miller, MHC team to test the system’s cold-weather portable command and control contract, the autonomous vessel leader performance and help to inform cabin, the mine countermeasures can pull three coil auxiliary boats the UK’s future unmanned mine- and Hydrographic Capability behind it, with each emitting sweeping capability. The system Combined Influence magnetic, electric and acoustic was tested against a number of Minesweeping system is the signals that can detonate a variety performance requirements, for Royal Navy’s first autonomous of mines. example magnetic, acoustic and unmanned surface vessel SWEEP is a complimentary electrical influence generation, demonstrator that significantly system used to deal with mines how well it cleared mines in reduces the risk to crew members that cannot be dealt with using sub-zero temperatures, whether in pressured and time-constrained traditional mine-hunting tactics the autonomous system could operations, and proved its ability and, having already proven to be successfully avoid other to operate successfully in cold capable of defeating the threat of vessels and the overall system conditions during the recent trials. modern digital mines in normal performance in colder conditions weather conditions, cold-weather that could be experienced for trials were recently conducted to military operations. ensure its capability. The trials, led by the Ministry Barry Miller, MHC team leader, of Defence and conducted by said: “Minesweeping has a long the Royal Navy, took place at history of use as part of a mixed the Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia mine countermeasures capability, in Canada, with logistic support complementing mine hunting in provided by the Canadian Forces difficult environments. The UK is Maritime Warfare Centre. currently trialling a ‘toolbox’ of Miguel Rial, MHC trials autonomous mine hunting and manager, said: “I have no minesweeping modules hosted on doubt the valuable information
23 desider April 2020 Feature
Clockwise from top left: A Mastiff vehicle on patrol, Bruce’s x-ray shows the extensive surgery needed to save his foot, Bruce chats with Prince Harry about the Invictus Games, Major Bruce Ekman, Boxer, a casualty evacuation takes place (Pictures submitted / WO 2 Steve Hughes (RLC Video Production Team)
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desider April 2020 Feature
“I could see the gunner was on fire from the explosion that had engulfed the vehicle”
On July 11, 2011 Major Bruce Ekman’s life was turned upside down by a roadside bomb. He spoke with Desider editor Tom Morris about why the traumatic experience drove him to be part of the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle delivery team at DE&S
ajor Bruce Ekman has understandably vivid “It was for this reason I applied to join the Mechanised memories of the moment the 23-tonne Mastiff Infantry Vehicle delivery team at DE&S in the hope of in which he was travelling was rocked by a huge assisting and supporting the procurement of the Army’s next Mexplosion in Afghanistan. Infantry Carrying Vehicle (ICV) known as ‘Boxer’.” On that fateful day Bruce’s team, attached to 42 The £2.8 billion Boxer programme will provide more than Commando Royal Marines, were as per usual restocking five 500 state-of-the-art armoured network-enabled fighting 150-troop strong patrol bases located in one of Helmand vehicles to the British Army that can deploy rapidly over Province’s green zones. long distances and varied terrains. The British Army patrol base’s presence was critical, not Bruce said: “I am delighted that this vehicle will offer the only to thwart the enforced growing of poppies for heroin to very highest levels of protection, mobility and agility to the fund the Taliban, but also to give farmers the opportunity to British Army. grow wheat and cotton from which they could earn a living. “All of the UK variants will have generic vehicle After agreeing to do an unscheduled stop, the Mastiff architecture for the commander, driver and gunner as well Armoured Personnel Carrier in which Bruce and his unit as a larger engine offering increased load capacity and were travelling detonated an improvised explosive device speeds of over 60 miles per hour.” (IED). Modular by design, the Boxer’s vehicle base can be rapidly “The vehicle went dark with smoke and dust and I could reconfigured to fill different roles on the battlefield: from see the gunner was on fire from the explosion that had carrying troops across vast distances to treating severely engulfed the vehicle,” said Bruce. injured service personnel on the journey to hospital. The “Once the vehicle came to rest my first thought was I’d Army will be receiving a mixture of the troop-carrying lost all my teeth because all I could taste was blood and variant, ambulances, command and specialist vehicles. The fragments. Thankfully, it was dust and grit. first of the production vehicles are due to come into service “The blast had ripped both rear axles off the vehicle. in 2023. The four of us, who were in the rear of the Mastiff, all had “On a personal note, I am delighted to see that all the shattered feet from the blast and I had to use my morphine lessons learned from the Urgent Operational Requirement syringe on my Second in Command, who was in agony with (UOR) Protective Mobility platforms in Iraq and a suspected broken back.” Afghanistan have been incorporated and improved upon Incredibly, despite being trapped, immobile and with in the new Mechanised Infantry Vehicle programme,” said Taliban bullets pinging against their armoured vehicle, all Bruce. six on board the Mastiff survived. “The British Boxer will offer unrivalled levels of Bruce was flown back to the UK where his badly damaged protection to its crew with enhanced protection features left foot was successfully rescued against all odds – thanks in such as a mine-blast protection, four-point safety harnesses, large part to the excellent surgery that had been performed a vehicle emergency lighting system and an onboard local by the army surgeons in Afghanistan. situational awareness system. Remarkably, with a momentum brace – a device allowing “My experiences drove me to desperately want to be him to retrain himself to run – in 2017, Bruce went on to part of this team. The dedication, professionalism and win gold in the 1,500m at the Prince Harry-inspired Invictus determination to work with industry to make sure we get Games, of which he had also become an ambassador. the very best and very safest vehicle possible for those “Throughout my recovery I lost count of the times it was serving in the British Army, has been outstanding. commented on how the Mastiff vehicle had saved the lives of “It is a programme that I am immensely proud to be myself and my colleagues,” he said. involved in.”
25 desider April 2020 DE&S People
CEO Commendations DE&S former winners on winning their awards and where they are now
In recognition of their continued support and consistent delivery of excellent standards in all aspects of Policy Secretariat business
This is the highest accolade DE&S delivers and it was really everyone is able to attend the you can achieve within DE&S, eye opening to see the range of awards ceremony, so it’s really how did it feel? work undertaken across DE&S important to ensure that success The team strives to deliver for which success was being is shared and celebrated by all, so factually accurate advice, on time celebrated at the awards. There is consider a team lunch or some and right first time, to support clearly a lot of pride in what we other collective activity to include decision-making and Ministerial deliver and some very supportive everyone. Why were you nominated for accountability, and if we are speeches from some of our key this award? doing our job well, the work of customers, reflecting on how How have you built on your The award recognised the team’s the Policy Secretariat team goes much that delivery matters to success? role in delivering consistently largely unseen to many across the them in terms of delivering wider By maintaining our excellent excellent performance and high organisation. This is a measure defence capability. record for delivery and seeking to standards of work in all aspects of success, but at the same time it further promote wider awareness of Policy Secretariat business, was great to see the team’s efforts What would you say to of what we do. There is a lot of role-modelling the very best gain formal recognition from other teams and individuals interest in Parliamentary and in behaviours, team endeavour the CEO through this award hoping to be awarded a CEO Ministerial work and people and personal commitment. This and, in doing so, promote wider Commendation? appear keen to come and work success reflected a collective, awareness of what we do and There is a lot of good work in the team, and wider policy team-based approach, supported why it’s important, alongside our going on across DE&S at both a profession, so we must be doing by many other people across the core business of equipping and team and individual level and it’s a something right! business, ensuring that the CEO supporting our armed forces. really positive boost for success to and senior staff can effectively be recognised in this way. I would represent key DE&S business What are your memories of encourage all to consider what issues and that Ministers are the awards ceremony? they have delivered, no matter able to effectively discharge their There was a lot of positive how small that might seem, responsibilities and accountability energy at the event. It showcased and put forward nominations. to Parliament. some great examples of what Practicalities mean that not
26 desider April 2020 DE&S People
60 second spotlight "I was an extra in a Bond movie"
What do you do when you’re Alan ‘Saggy’ away from work? Sagrott Since the age of 11 I have played (everyone calls me and hockey and still do to a fashion. knows me as Saggy - a I was introduced to it at school nickname from my RAF days) by my PE teacher and went on to represent my county at Job: schoolboy level. When I joined the RAF aged 17, I went on to Typhoon release to service represent the RAF at all levels, manager based at RAF Marham. stations, groups, commands, U21s, seniors and veterans. Your route into DE&S? I play for my local club and have done since 1984, and last After 23 years in the RAF, I joined season I was fortunate enough the Tornado integrated project to represent Norfolk over- team at Wyton in 2000 when 60s. I am also an avid fan and it was the Defence Logistics shareholder of Gillingham FC as Organisation. But five years well as swinging golf clubs to of commuting daily from near varying degrees of success at Marham took its toll, so I left my local course. to work for BAE Systems at Marham for the next 13 years What are you most proud of? in the off-aircraft component environment. When the Tornado My family and their support, but ended its life in early 2019, and particularly being at my son’s having been associated with university graduation and, years Tornado for almost 35 years, I later, his RAF officer’s graduation re-joined DE&S on the Typhoon at Cranwell. Hopefully, my platform. daughter will also go to university so I can attend her graduation. Your claim to fame? If you were sent to a desert Apart from appearing on The island, what three things Chase in October 2019, I have would you take with you? been an extra in a TV film starring Lenny Henry called Family photos so I could be The Man (1999), in a TV series reminded of them, Neil Diamond starring Stephen Fry (filmed in music (some will find this sad) and around my home town of and an endless supply of merlot. Swaffham around 2007/8) called Kingdom and in the Bond film What irritates you the most? What would surprise people The World Is Not Enough starring about you? Pierce Brosnan (filmed in 1999 Lateness. Probably due to my with some scenes filmed at RAF military career. I think it is rude That I have played hockey with Halton officer's mess - as was that people are late for meetings the DE&S CEO during our RAF the Lenny Henry film). You are or agreed start times unless for careers on many occasions, and paid in cash and you get to drink valid reasons. in various locations. and eat as much as you want during the day’s filming. I have What is your favourite place Do you or also met a famous British baker in the world? whom I was told I look a bit like someone you I have travelled all around the when I have facial hair. world whilst in the RAF for work know deserve and played hockey in countries Your advice to anyone? their 60 seconds including Australia, New Zealand, Be truthful and honest. If you Canada, Singapore, various in the spotlight? make a mistake own up and states of the USA, South Africa, Turkey and many more. But I Email inform your superiors. It ensures [email protected] resolution and installs a culture have been on family holidays of trust within a team of being to Tenerife and really enjoy the open and candid. Also, enjoy life times there. It’s great just to relax to the full, you never know what’s by the pool and enjoy quality around the corner. family time.
27 desider April 2020 DE&S People
NHS food donation, International Women’s Day and a labour of love
Like many recent social events, the annual Land HQ Army dinner was postponed this year due to COVID-19. The annual dinner is usually an opportunity to bring together the entire Army cohort from across the Abbey Wood site, and when it was confirmed the dinner wouldn’t go ahead, Land HQ were determined to make sure the food wouldn’t got to waste. Major Josh Tester and Major Ed Petrie explored various options to distribute the meals, eventually getting in touch with the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust where the first responder crews and call centre staff were happy to receive the gifted food. The Aramark staff at DE&S kindly supplied food containers which were used to transport roughly 75 meals including fishcakes and fries, and chicken Dijon and mashed potatoes to the ambulance responders site in Filton. Thanks to the initiative of our colleagues in Land HQ, a number of deserved people were able to enjoy A team of DE&S, RAF and BAE and established lifting points for a new the donated food. engineers from RAF Coningsby static role. completed a labour of love by In March, the aircraft was refurbishing, transporting and transported by road to North Weald, rebuilding a classic Cold War jet where the airframe was freshly painted fighter. in the iconic red and white colours of The dedicated team undertook the 56 Squadron. task to transform the former F3 aircraft The aircraft, which ended its service from 29 Squadron in their own time days as a gate guardian at RAF because of their love for all things Boulmer, had been purchased by aeronautical. Vanguard Self Storage. The lengthy endeavour started in Painting complete, the airframe January 2019 when a team of five was moved to Bristol and stored personnel, led by DE&S’ Dave Blissett, in readiness for it to be hung in the carried out anti-corrosion activities, reception of their new storage facility in removed unnecessary weight, made the Redfield area of the city. repairs, restored the exterior lighting
He delivered a powerful message, challenging the underrepresentation of women in DE&S, notably in engineering and across more senior grades and said: “It’s key that we develop the right interventions to bring about the necessary change.” DE&S Chair Mark Russell shared how he had witnessed the effectiveness of diverse organisations and Katherine Bennet OBE, UK senior vice president of Airbus, recited anecdotes from her career, encouraging the audience to participate in the 2020 International Women’s Day theme ‘Each for Equal’ by advocating for each other. Professor Christine Bamford, founder and CEO of Women’s Coin, and Keela Shackell-Smith MBE, Diversity & Inclusion manager at the Cabinet Office, also delivered impactful sessions on raising your profile and building confidence. The conference also delivered two workshops where the audience More than 200 delegates Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, Chief were given tips on successful applications, attended the MOD Women’s of Materiel (Ships), opened the interviewing and how to best tackle inappropriate Network annual conference conference and urged the audience behaviours. at Abbey Wood to celebrate to be proactive in providing input into The successful event was closed by Min International Women’s Day and how DE&S can continue to improve Rodriguez, head of Diversity and Inclusion at DE&S, hear a range of perspectives from gender equality and to make personal who shared plans to pilot new recruiting practices in inspiring speakers. pledges to bring about change. the organisation.
28 desider April 2020 DE&S People
the MOD Lottery Winter sports and November MOTTO winners women in STEM £10,000 Lorna Thompson, Bristol DE&S has always punched above success second. Staff sergeant Scott £2,500 Scott Barclay, Helensburgh its weight when it comes to the Paterson (Operational Infrastructure), £1,000 Cliona Willis, Portsmouth participation in the Royal Electrical Gary Hooson (International guns and Mechanical Engineers (REME) missiles and rockets) and Iain £500 Emma Carter, Bristol Winter Sports programme. Campbell’s (Artillery System) excellent £250 Daniel Williams, Bristol Indeed, the success of the 18/19 organisation provided opportunities £100 Nigel Spragg, Bordon season meant that the pressure was for 40 REME personnel at DE&S to Tony Treadaway, London on to continue to offer adventurous challenge and develop themselves. training to as many DE&S eligible The DE&S team with Director Land John Taylor, Portsmouth personnel as possible and turn that Equipment, Major General Darren Bernadette McCluskie, Dunblane participation into success at the Crook, Chairman of the Army Winter David Hughes, Telford season-ending championships. Sports Association had a season With alpine skiing and snowboarding of unprecedented success with the Mary Day, Crawley taking place on the Stubai Glacier in trophy haul including Minor Unit Cheryl Reid, Corsham Austria, Nordic training taking place Winners for both Alpine and Nordic Martin Jeffrey, Preston in Sjusjoen, Norway, and the Corps skiing. Championships in the beautiful Tyrol Those interested in Winter sports Amanda Fleming, Lincoln valley, Austria, the DE&S team worked contact DE&S REME focal point Major Lee Vout, Bristol to the mandate of participation first, David Melia. Jordan Wilson, Helensburgh Jonny, McClelland, Holywood Colin Young, High Wycombe Adrian Phillips, Corsham Stuart Redford, Plymouth Michael Foreman, Cyprus Catherine Searle, UKHO Neil Campbell, Beith Wayne Emanuel, Lincoln Sandra Harrison, Huntingdon
Dartmoor Zoo in Devon is an apprenticeship that was focussed unlikely place to find a Women in particularly on was advanced Science, Technology, Engineering engineering management. and Maths (STEM) careers event. Ellie said: “It was great to talk However, recently Women in STEM to younger people and to share Plymouth (WISP) hosted just such our knowledge and love for the an occasion which was aimed at apprenticeship.” encouraging young people into STEM- Melissa added: “I wanted to share related careers. my passion of engineering with a The WISP event was attended by younger generation and was pleasantly more than 30 local companies and surprised by how many girls around organisations, including a team from the age of 13/14 were keen to join the DE&S who were able to tell young industry.” people about the exciting opportunities Both Devonport apprentices that our organisation’s apprenticeships embraced the opportunity to influence offer. and engage with the next generation DE&S apprentices Ellie Ewing of engineers, whilst gaining and and Melissa Inglis, along with their displaying valuable DE&S success apprentice scheme manager, Julie profile behaviours at this high-profile Catterall, attended the event to event. promote the many options DE&S has to offer. With a desire to recruit more women into engineering, one
29 desider April 2020 Recruitment Case
that I wanted to take ownership of. Hopefully the function will promote me into a Level 2 role as my experience grows.
What do you most enjoy about your job? Study I enjoy the opportunity to improve the prospects of the UK armed forces in terms of their capability, James Downing, engineer within by thinking not just in terms of what the army DE&S, gives his insight into some needs now, but what will be needed in the future. MIV is future proofed with an extensive electronic of the benefits of working for the architecture to allow for platform and sub-system upgrades as the digital age develops. Future proofing organisation the MIV vehicle is something I am very proud of, because it allows MIV to contribute effectively to UK Defence now, and in the future.
Name: What’s your ambition? James Downing Short term, I’d like to continue working in the MIV team, and hopefully promote into a Level 2 role. MIV Job title: will play a pivotal role in Army’s STRIKE brigade, Level 1 Engineer - Mechanised Infantry Vehicle and I’m looking forward to being involved in the (MIV) vehicle trials starting next year. Long term, I’d like to promote through the grades and continue to further How long have you worked for DE&S? my education. Three years as an apprentice, nine months as a Level 1. What’s your greatest achievement to date? When the contract was awarded for MIV which was Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? an immense achievement. I contributed to this by I joined DE&S to develop an exciting and delivering the Boxer Electro-Magnetic Compatibility professional career in engineering. By completing trials. I managed multi-national industry partners the DE&S engineering apprenticeship scheme, I and UK MOD Subject Matter Expert’s to plan, have had the opportunity to work with international conduct and conclude the trials which drove risk out industry partners and contribute to the design and of the MIV programme and built greater confidence manufacture of cutting-edge technologies. in the Boxer vehicle.
What does your role entail? Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a Currently, planning the demo phase and managing great place to work? the design of MIV. I am responsible for areas such DE&S gives the opportunity to develop a prosperous as electronic counter measures, electro-magnetic career but maintain a healthy work-life balance. compatibility, and power management. I am also Training courses are available and funded in responsible for managing the International Traffic in abundance, and the opportunity to move between Arms Regulations (ITAR) controlled equipment on projects as part of the function matrix management is the platform. exciting. DE&S is a great place to work, and to learn.
What are the opportunities to develop and What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? progress within your function? DE&S offers a great pension, flexible working, The engineering function gives opportunities to membership to discount schemes, membership to develop and learn, and to focus on specific areas of Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) and perks both expertise if you so wish. My role in MIV is focused on and off site. I’d recommend the CSSC as it gives on electrical systems, not by chance, but because access to the on-site gym, and access to sports events when I joined the team this is the area of the platform up and down the country.
30 Recognition Bonuses & Bonuses & SIX GREAT REASONSTO Pension For more infoandjobopportunities v www.des.mod.uk Working Flexible Flexible 31 Development Professional Professional WORK FORDE&S Holiday isit: Facilities
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