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me through thinking about leaving the Army respond to the pandemic. Operation Rescript
to when I secured my current role, with a large was initiated to divert thousands of troops –
financial organisation in their technology business. including reservists – from normal operations
to fulfil tasks like conducting COVID testing,
“What I wasn’t expecting was that Nick would moving oxygen to where it was needed, and
give me homework. CV review, elevator pitches, building the Nightingale Hospitals. One of our
understanding the industry and preparation for own Liverymen worked within 77 Brigade,
th
interview were all gratefully covered (and pro where he was active throughout lockdown,
bono, so even better)! He helped me understand
and reframe my language to suit the corporate
world, and stood by me every step of the way. It
has been a five-year process and I look forward
to continuing my journey and friendship with the
WCIT. I am humbled by the support the WCIT has
given me and many other colleagues.”
We have other significant affiliations, including
the Joint Forces Cyber Group (2017), part of
Defence Digital within UK Strategic Command.
WCIT is beginning to support this relatively new
and emerging organisation with its retention,
resettlement and part-time resourcing; in parallel,
the Security Panel is working with the new UK
Cyber Security Council to ensure that JFCG
Members are professionally recognised.
Our most recent affiliation is with HMS
Collingwood (2020), a shore establishment (also
known as a “Stone Frigate”) and home to the
Maritime Warfare School. We are also looking to
revitalise our relationships with two cadet units,
Beckenham and Penge Sea Cadets and 46F
(Kensington) Squadron Air Cadets, which date back
to 2013.
A number of former members of the Royal Corps of
Signals are firmly ensconced in the WCIT, and there Michael Grant: “Don’t tell him, Pike!”
are also several Company members who serve Her
Majesty as reservists. focusing on the identification of (and helping to
counter) coronavirus-related misinformation. A
Past Master Michael Grant has been a reservist great example of how IT and the Forces are now
with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the so closely integrated as we redefine the word
oldest regiment in the British army, for 50 years. He “warfare” in the modern world.
has to remain fit for his continuing ceremonial role
as a member of the HAC’s Company of Pikemen Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter
and Musketeers , the official bodyguard of the Lord described the military’s assistance to the NHS as
Mayor, where he regularly has to march wearing the “single greatest logistical challenge” he had
18 pounds of armour and carrying a long pointed come across. During this plague, the Armed Forces
stick. and the IT profession have played some of the
most important parts. Long may the vital support
But it isn’t all ceremony. The Armed Forces of all the livery companies to the Armed Forces
had to switch focus with breathtaking speed to continue.
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