Security cleared jobs news roundup: July 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 July military dogs improved their combat readiness with an exercise in Estonia, the government Armed Forces pay announcement confirmed the biggest salary increase in decades, a new cohort of aircraft handlers joined various squadrons and a new order of missiles was placed by the government.

Military dogs undertake major exercise in Estonia

Patrol dogs and their handlers from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (1 MWD) have been involved in a major exercise to improve their combat readiness. The animals and service personnel flew in a Wildcat helicopter to acclimatise to alternative modes of travelling around the battlefield.

The exercise saw 1 MWD with the British Army’s global response force, as part of Steadfast Defender 24. More than 2,300 soldiers, sailors and aviators from four countries were involved in the British-led training, building their ability to work together in response to a crisis.

Veterinary officer Lieutenant  Lucy Hardingham said: “It's really important for the dogs to have experienced what different vehicles sound like and feel like, especially helicopters, because they're very unnatural for a dog. We call it battle inoculation, just so that when they have to do it for real one day, they're not completely stressed out and not able to do their actual job afterwards.”

Armed Forces to get largest pay increase in decades

The starting salary for Armed Forces personnel is set to be in line with the National Living Wage for the first time. This six per cent pay rise is the biggest increase to wages within the forces for 22 years and aims to help address recruitment and retention challenges.

It comes in the wake of the UK’s new government making a series of commitments to improving military life. They include the creation of a new Armed Forces commissioner role and a pledge to enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law.

John Healey, defence secretary, said: “This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. A clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving service life.”

16 newly-qualified aircraft handlers join squadrons

A cohort of 16 newly-qualified aircraft handlers have completed their training at the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations (RNAS Culdrose) and taken up positions in their squadrons. The recruits are qualified to operate flight decks and move aircraft, as well as being trained in firefighting and rescue skills.

Various Fleet Air Arm squadrons, naval fire stations and the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth have received the new aircraft handlers. At the passing out parade, it was acknowledged that all of the recruits had met the exemplary standards demanded of the Royal Navy.

Addressing the parade, Lieutenant Commander Billy Benton said: “Congratulations. You’ve made it. I could not be prouder, standing in your company today. Remember today. Remember everyone that’s helped to get you here, and continue to excel in all your endeavours.”

UK government places new missile order

The government has placed a significant order for Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) from Thales UK to ensure a supply to the Armed Forces. Worth £176 million, the order of the precision weaponry will enhance current and future short-range air defence capabilities for the British Army, as well as the Royal Navy’s maritime anti-surface missile system deployed from Wildcat helicopters.

LMMs are used against threats including drones, helicopters, aircraft and small maritime targets. The UK has gifted hundreds of the missiles to Ukraine in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. The new contract will support 135 jobs at Thales’ site in Northern Ireland.

Maria Eagle, minister for defence procurement and industry, said: “In a more dangerous world, we must continue to provide weapons to Ukraine but also replenish our own stocks. Our new order of Lightweight Multirole Missiles from Thales UK will support this, providing our Armed Forces with versatile missiles that can be used against threats such as drones, helicopters and small maritime targets.”