Master of Signals ‘Reflections’

As many of you will know, my time serving as your Master of Signals is coming to an end – 21st June I hand over to Major General Paul Griffiths. Whilst I will miss the role tremendously, I know now is the right time for new leadership, as we embark on a new era for Defence, for the British Army and therefore of course for our Corps.

I’m proud during my tenure we very successful - and collectively - reset our purpose and vision. Its holds as true today as it did almost 2 years ago: To deliver decision advantage, with credibility and agility. And I believe we have done exactly what we set out to do.

- I see a Corps which has been at the heart of keeping the nation safe, delivering decision advantage as part of NATO deterrence activity. Our significant contribution to Op LINOTYPER 24, the largest land deployment in a generation, being just one example.

- I see a Corps credibly at the heart of innovation and adaptation to retain adversary advantage. Our soldiers and officers have seized the opportunities presented by projects such as ASGARD, to significantly contribute to some of Defence’s most exciting activity.

- And I see a Corps central to the future, be that delivering for the Strategic Reserve Corps as part of SACEUR’s NATO Regional Plan, or as part of the Strategic Defence Review’s digital targeting web.

We are more confident than at any time I can remember, and more highly regarded. Across the Army, Defence, Industry and other agencies. And its all because of our people.

You will have heard me say this too many times before, for which I make no apologies – we serve alongside, support, and lead some of the most talented. Our soldiers and officers – serving and retired, regular or reserves - are inquisitive, innovative, determined and spirited. It it their ingenuity, foresight and character which does all of that (arrow up) on our behalf. I also recognise our Corps leadership has manifestly stepped up over my tenure, to do exactly that – lead our women and men, magnificently. The challenges are profound; money, time and equipment. When yet even more is being asked of us. And with little immediate prospect of life becoming more straight forward! But of course, the reward is second to, well, nothing – delivering operational excellence, as part of a high performing team, serving alongside our muckers, doing our part for the nation.

And once you’re a part of this team (whether serving in the Corps or not) – you never leave it. And I can think of no better example of this, than through the Royal Signals Institution, with membership and allegiances across our Corps, our other Services, our veterans, industry and our Allies. I am grateful to the RSI’s thought leadership, strong support, and critical friendship to our Corps in my time as Master.

As I hand off to General Griff, I realise we continue to have some chunky issues to wrestle – we need more of the talent the market place offers, we must stay ahead of the skills and talent gaps, and we must prioritise and protect out collective education and training. I am clear though, that there is no one better placed than General Griff, with the continued support of our Corps Operational Strategy Group, Corps Executive Committee and serving leaders to chart the right path to lead our Corps into the 2030s.

Whilst its cheerio – its not goodbye. I may not be the Master soon, I will continue to champion, cheer, boast about and be immensely proud of our Corps … try stopping me.

Certa Cito.

General Dame Sharon Nesmith, DCB, ADC(Gen)