[David Murray]

Hi Folks,

Very best wishes for 2022 and a special welcome to those of you new to this group. I look forward to getting to know you all better in the coming months.

So, how might you benefit/contribute to what we do?

The links between the defence and civil sectors are shortening with experiences being shared and, as a result, lessons being learned. An example is the cooperation between Health and Military professionals to overcome the issues exposed by Covid. Although you may have seen the ‘front-lines’ of both health and military in connection with getting your jabs, there is a lot of planning and logistic experience being shared – as I said, with mutually beneficial lessons being learned.

There are two areas in which you may wish to consider adding your experience and, of course, picking up any beneficial tips that you may encounter on the way.

1.        Defence Digital Lifecycle

The defence-sector’s journey along the DT road is progressing. As would be expected at this stage, there is some confusion and mis-understanding about what it all means. In the ‘Discussion Documents’ section of this network I have summarised what I believe is the most widely accepted view – tailored to defence (link). I believe that we want to table the best common view that we can achieve, so that it will be simpler for all DT participants to converge their thinking and understanding. The built environment, combined with military planning and resources, will then be best able to handle civil disasters. This will enable the first responders (including the military) and long-term support teams to be suitably trained and prepared to deal with whatever occurs.

So, please add your comments to the debate – how should/does it all work?

 

2.        Defence Opportunities

I would like to share a sub-set of information from the Defence and Security Accelerator program:

·        The current open-call for funding new ideas closes on 2nd March. The “Rapid Impact” stream and “Next Generation Wearable Technology” – are attracting interest.

• On 27th Jan, the Home Office are running Maritime Capability (Small Boats CCTC) Industry Briefing to present to the market the Home Office’s key operational challenges in securing the UK border in the English Channel.
• Check out a couple of webinars where the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (live event 18th Jan) and UK Counter Terrorism Policing (23rd Feb) will share their science and technology priorities and show you how to get involved.
• On 28th Jan, the Royal Navy Develop Directorate are holding an industry engagement event to introduce the new Maritime Operating Concept key themes and also the Develop Directorate Industry Engagement Plan for 2022.

To find out more about the above please follow the links but, for general questions, DASA’s  Peter Wilkins would be a good first contact.

 

If we can build a rich response to the issues presented here, I have in mind several other initiatives that we can take in 2022.

Very best regards,

Dave