From Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers to MOD Technical Documentation Policy, Advice & Guidance Lead

I served from December 1989 until May 2014 in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and I joined DE&S in April 2014. 

I am the MOD Technical Documentation Policy, Advice & Guidance Lead. 

I initially served 2 years as an apprentice in Princess Marina College where I trained as a Vehicle Mechanic. I then spent the next 22.5 years posted to various British Army units around the globe in locations which included the UK, Germany, Canada and Belize. I also deployed on operations to Bosnia twice, Kosovo twice, Macedonia and Iraq. 

What knowledge did you have of DE&S prior to joining? 

Quite a lot actually. I was fortunate enough to be attached to the DLO at Andover as the CRARRV Desk officer in Tank Systems Support IPT in February 2007 and was there during the formation of DE&S in April 2007. I subsequently had to move to Bristol in September of 2007 where I was part of Heavy Armoured Systems (HAS) / Combat Tracks Group (CTG). I left in 2009 but returned in 2011, after a two year spell at 2 RTR, to CTG / Armoured Vehicles Programme (AVP) where I remained until 2013. 

It was during these two postings that I realised that I enjoyed the environment, the varying types of work and the people. When the bulk recruitment campaign for Engineers was announced in late 2012, I had already completed my 22 year Colour Service and it offered those still serving who were successful a 12 month delay on their start date, so I jumped at the opportunity. 

I really enjoy it. After my service where I was constantly moving around it provides stability with an excellent work/life balance. I like the fact that I can still assist in providing a quality service that hopefully makes a positive difference for those who are currently serving, and I enjoy working with like-minded people. 

My current role is different to anything I’ve ever done before. My background is primarily heavy armour and previous roles were in Delivery Teams (DT). Now I work in the Support Directorate, Support Chain Governance, Support Chain Engineering Team and my primary role is to provide Advice & Guidance (A&G) to DT looking to incorporate Technical Documentation (TD) into their Support Solution. By providing A&G that aligns with MOD TD Policy I ensure that DT get the optimum TD solution based on the project TD requirements. 

The biggest thing I’ve learnt was during my first posting to DE&S in 2007 and I took it back to the Field Force with me and communicated to all those I encountered when discussing my time at Andover and Bristol. DE&S is full of like-minded people who want to provide the best service to our Armed Forces and often go above and beyond, sometimes with limited resource, when trying to deliver. 

I have completed my degree, gained my SSP qualification and have been promoted from C2 to C1 (Professional II, Level 3). 

I would certainly recommend it. There is plenty of variety, the opportunity of progression and the opportunity to develop yourself and gain qualifications. There is a great work/life balance and most importantly great people!