From technical theatre to cyber security, via history and jazz
Having started out working in technical theatre, I had originally intended to go on and study electrical engineering, however, the degree was cancelled and I ended up studying Forensic Computing and Digital Security. On graduating I worked for a software company running their testing/QA department. I left and joined an automotive company and moved into cyber security roles there, including as a technical project lead and a cyber consultant. I then moved into Government as a Civil Servant, again working in cyber security. I commissioned into the Royal Signals and work with a specialist unit which provides deep technical advice to the MOD; although my role also involves a lot o the day-to-day G1 (personnel) related activity. I am also the Secretary for the Army's LGBT+ Network.
I provide deep technical specialist advice to the MOD
Serving with a specialist Royal Signals Squadron, we provide deep technical specialist CIS (Communications and Information Systems) advice to the MOD. My focus is on cyber security policy and strategy, and I often lead on tasks in this area.
I am also a staff officer, leading on G1 (Personnel) issues, helping to manage the annual reporting for the Squadron, and assist with the on-boarding of new soldiers and officers.
Finally, I am the Secretary of the Army LGBT+ Network, assisting the committee with the day-to-day administration of work, planning events, and providing contextualised advised to the Army D&I team, and wider Defence.
The Army is a family...
I joined the Army because I wanted to give something back, to utilise my skill set in a way that I couldn't do in a civilian role. I'd been around the Armed Forces for years before I joined, and I knew the services were a family. Everyone watches out for each other, and strives towards team goals. There is a real sense of belonging, especially within tight-knit squadrons, or in the Officers' Mess.
The Army also provides the opportunity to develop, not only military skills, but civilian and personal development as well. Coupled with sports and adventure training options, there is never a dull day.
Always be yourself, everyone else is taken...
When going through selection for the Army, it can be very tempting to try and be the person you think they are looking for. That might work in the short term, but in the longer term, or when you are under pressure / tired / in command, that doesn't work. It is far better to be the person you really are, with your own quirks and personality, and to utilise your own skills and abilities. The Army can teach you how to lead and think tactically, it can develop your fitness and your endurance, it can't change how you start out as a person.
Providing operationally impactful advice
As part of the work our Squadron undertakes, we regularly get asked for highly specific technical advice on projects and programmes that may be planned for years down the line, and which we can spend months working on for them. However, we sometimes get asked to advise on live operational taskings where we can see the outcomes of our advice in real-time, where we have minutes to provide output. These activities have the most impact on us. By occupying the 'thinking space' for commanders, it allows them to focus more on the 'tactical space' and, combined, that provides a huge advantage in the operational domain.
