Security cleared jobs news roundup: August 2024
Keep up-to-date with some of the biggest stories in the world of security cleared jobs in our monthly roundup.
We’re rounding up some of the biggest security cleared stories of the past few weeks. In August, Bear Grylls inspected graduating junior soldiers as part of his new role as honorary colonel, a new silent hangar was announced to protect GPS devices from being jammed, British sailors swapped their ships with those from the US and Sellafield Ltd was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
Bear Grylls inspects graduating junior soldiers
New honorary colonel Bear Grylls was in attendance at AFC Harrogate’s parade square as more than 600 junior soldiers passed out. The ceremony marked the beginning of a career in the Army for the young recruits and was the first time Mr Grylls had performed the role of senior inspecting officer since his appointment.
He told the soldiers they should keep three qualities sharp if they want to succeed: courage, discipline and resilience. The Red Devils performed a display to open the celebrations and a flyover was provided by the RAF, as 5,000 family members watched the spectacle.
Mr Grylls added: “I may be a little older than you, a little more grizzled, but I know what it’s like to pass out as a young soldier. That day never leaves you.”
Silent hangar commissioned to prevent GPS jamming
One of the biggest new test facilities in Europe is to be brought into commission at the Ministry of Defence’s Boscombe Down site in Wiltshire. QinetiQ will build a radio frequency, anti-jamming silent hangar at a cost of £20 million in a bid to develop UK assets able to perform in the harshest electromagnetic environments.
Due to open in 2026, it will accommodate some of the largest military assets, including Protector drones, Chinook helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets. All of this while creating the perfect environment to test the integrity of the equipment and prevent interference with other users, such as the emergency services and air traffic control.
Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, said: “Hostile threats jamming GPS to disorientate military equipment has become increasingly common. This cutting-edge test facility will help us eliminate vulnerabilities from our platforms, protect our national security and keep our Armed Forces better protected on global deployments.”
British sailors swap ships with US personnel
Seven sailors from HMS Duncan swapped duties with personnel aboard the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Wasp during operations in the eastern Mediterranean. The cross deck experience lasted for 48 hours, giving both parties the chance to see what life is like in the Navy when serving a different country.
Both sides were welcomed on board by their crewmate counterparts, with some British sailors even giving the American personnel nicknames. The Brits particularly enjoyed the US Navy’s set menu, which included Taco Tuesday and Chicken Wing Sunday.
Engineering technician Bradley Jones said: “If you’ve ever seen the film Top Gun, I’m sure you’ve also had far flung fantasies of landing onboard the flight deck of a US carrier, taking off your safety helmet, hair windswept, and being greeted like some sort of demigod. For one day this had become my reality, and I can’t deny how brilliant it felt.”
Sellafield recognised for supporting the Armed Forces community
Sellafield Ltd has been awarded the highest badge of honour as a result of being a powerful advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant. The global centre for nuclear engineering management has been given the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award to highlight its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Gold status is granted to companies that have strong HR policies in place to accommodate the needs of former service personnel. Sellafield has become known as an employer of choice for this group, with the award recognising its commitment to promoting advocacy within its own networks and industry.
Paul Ritson, SFS senior engineering delivery manager, said: “We see the benefit to individuals, to Sellafield and to the country to being forces-friendly. This highest award gives us validation and will help when we talk to potential employees about what we do.”