From Royal Logistic Core to Repair Manager
John's story
How long did you serve in the Army and when did you join Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)? I joined DE&S in October 2016 after serving 24 years in the Army, 22 of which were in the Royal Logistics Core as a Logistic Specialist.
What is your role in DE&S?
I have had three jobs in DE&S. I started in CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) as the Inventory Manager, before moving into the Land Domain to take up a job as the Inventory Manager for Wheeled Vehicles, and then moved into my current role as the Repair Manager for LWLPM (Light Wheels and Light Protected Mobility), LVS (Logistic Vehicle System) and SV (Support Vehicle).
Tell me about your military career?
I spent 24 years in the Army, within the Royal Logistics Core working both at home and abroad. My early years were spent at either a Base Depot or a Supply Regiment. Having gained a promotion I then spent six years with two different transport regiments before returning to Supply Regiments. After serving six years there I moved into a standalone role as the AMMO Sgt for the Land Warfare Centre Warminster. After spending two years in that post I moved back to a Theatre Logistic Regiment as an instructor at the Supply Training Facility, before finally deciding to leave the service.
What current qualifications do you have?
ILOG L2 DE&S In house training.
What knowledge did you have of DE&S prior to joining?
I was lucky as my wife has worked for DE&S for 10 years prior to me starting, but as a Logistic Specialist I was fully aware of what DE&S does for the Army.
What is it like working for DE&S?
The only way I would describe it is that it’s like a constant operational tour and by that I mean you work extremely hard all the time, the tempo never falters and there is no let-up in the Battle. Front Line Commands rely on your judgment to provide answers. Within DE&S no two days are the same.
How do you make a difference?
I provide an extremely valuable service to the front line commands. If I didn’t do my job to the best of my ability the Army would be affected.
What have you achieved in your time at DE&S?
I am most proud of the fact I was able to get stores from a contractor into the Depot, three days after they had shut for Christmas. A feat that is unheard of within the logistic world!
What would your message be for people who are leaving (or who’ve already left) the Armed Forces?
DE&S is an inclusive and diverse place to work with like minded people wanting to support defence. You would have to be a fool not to consider it as a viable second career.