In this issue...

By Colonel Liz Dallyn.    -  

As the interim director for the RSI between Andy Percival leaving and Joe Cooper arriving, this will be my best and worst RSI Journal!  Andy had kindly already done a lot of the groundwork.  I also want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to ‘your journal’ as it relies on people making the time.  Please touch base with Joe if you are willing to write an article for the summer edition.  The RSI Journal App is shortly due to go live (download it from your normal App Store); initially this will have articles from last summer’s edition, with this edition to follow. An outline of what to find in this Journal is:

• Corps Vision….  This Journal includes the Corps vision for 2033, supported by a forward from The Master to ensure we remain relevant for the future.

• Key Defence level themes…. We have 3 very topical defence level articles.  Christine Maxwell, Director Cyber Defence in Defence Digital explains the drivers behind the MODs Secure by Design (SbD) framework against an ever-growing security threat.  Col Chris Fogarty, COS Space Command, highlights the increasing importance of ‘Space:  The Fifth Operational Domain.  Col Andrew Mould, from the Defence Innovation Unit, helps decipher the various terminology and organisational constructs, and explains how we can all develop a structured approach to innovation. 

• Technology and future capability focused articles…. We also have a range of technology and future capability related articles. Some focus on specific technical developments; for example, Maj Andy Sutton’s article on Satellite Communications.  We also have a couple of articles provided by two of our Corporate Members (Viasat and Inmarsat, and Kaze), which are always gratefully received, to increase awareness of technological and capability developments within a defence context.  We also have a couple of articles aimed at provoking debate around the potential future of warfare; Maj Sam McEvoy’s on Cyborgs and Capt Martin Crilly on the Post Digital Hyper War. 

• Deane Drummond Conceptual Study and Corps Photography Competition…. The top 3 essays (which were supported by a presentation) and the winning entries from the Corps Photography competition have been included, highlighting the wider talents of our people.  The standards for both competitions were exceptionally high.

• Its all about People….  As ever, all organisations thrive based on maximising the potential of their people.  In this edition, we have an excellent article on Tertiary Education by Brig Caroline Woodbridge-Lewin.  Lt Col Dicky Dyer highlights the opportunities to professionalise through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.  We have an article promoting the opportunities for corporate members and serving personnel to offer and develop their own skills in support of the Charity IT Association (CITA).  Major Symon Smith’s article on Dyslexia, which impacts roughly one in five of us, enhances awareness and helps signpost where to find out more or get support.  Some of our soldiers have recently been recognised by external professional organisations, including the Worshipful Company of Information Technology (WCIT), Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) and Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).  Given the competition for such high-profile awards, I would like to congratulate all winners and finalists.  Due to publishing timelines the RSI Dinner and Awards ceremony will be in the summer edition.  Details on internal and external awards are in PD157 and Joe Cooper will shortly be publishing timelines for 2024 in an RSIN.  Please take the time and opportunity to submit quality submissions to ensure our people get the recognition they deserve.

• Last but not least... To close, we have various book reviews, which if not too late, you might want to put on your Christmas list.  We also have a short article about the centenary of the South African Signals and the history of their cap badge.

I genuinely hope you find this Journal varied and interesting.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to pull it together.  Please continue to support Joe Cooper as he assumes responsibility as the Director of the RSI and continue to help the RSI to thrive.