Supporting UK
veterans and

reservists

Amanda is an Information Security Analyst at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business in Portsmouth, Hampshire

 

“I served as a warfare specialist and a gunner in the Royal Navy. As a warfare specialist I worked on the radars and I specialised in aircraft tracking. I would work on a certain area of the sky and the rest of the team would work on other sections, making sure we covered everywhere. As a gunner, I manned the 20mm Gambo Gun. Four of us worked on this gun at one time, one to man it. Both of these roles were varied but they both had one important aspect; working together as a team, and that is something that I’ll always carry with me. It doesn’t matter how good you are at your job, you need to work in a team to be able to deliver the best results.

 

In BAE Systems it almost feels like I’m back in the armed forces and helping to protect my country - without of course being in uniformAmanda - Information Security Analyst, BAE Systems

“After leaving the Royal Navy in 2013 I always felt a sense of disconnect from the wider community. My heart strings still pulled towards the armed forces and losing that extended family did affect me more than I realised. Something was definitely missing but I couldn’t pin point it.

 

“Since beginning a new career in the cyber security sector, I always had BAE Systems in my sights as a company to join. I knew many veterans who worked there and who told me that it’s a fantastic company to join.

 

“In BAE Systems it almost feels like I’m back in the armed forces and helping to protect my country - without of course being in uniform. I’m working alongside many veterans, and like in the forces, I know they have my back and they know I have theirs. This enables us to deliver the best results for our customers. I couldn’t do the work I’m doing now without an amazing team around me and that’s exactly what BAE Systems offers. The sky is the limit in this company and that’s what makes it so special.”
 

Richard is Senior Counsel at BAE Systems Electronic Systems business at Rochester, Kent

 

“I passed the entrance tests known as Pegasus Company (P Company) for the Parachute Regiment Reserves in 1991 and am proud to still be serving as a reservist paratrooper with the British Army today. I enjoyed the physical and mental challenge of joining – the tests are notoriously tough and included completing seven parachute jumps from 800 feet.

 

“Since then, as a reservist, I’ve worked with many different armies around the world and served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. I consider myself to be very fortunate because I’ve managed to develop a civilian career as a barrister and a military career as a soldier. This of course has come with many different challenges over the years, but I’ve always found my reservist career has kept me really grounded.

 

I am now co-chair of VetNet and we’ve got a great team together, supporting lots of different projects across BAE Systems including Armed Forces Week. No day is the same and that’s just the way I like it!Richard, Senior Counsel, BAE Systems Electronic Systems, Rochester, Kent

 

“I joined BAE Systems in March 2020 – only having nine days in the office in Rochester before the pandemic struck. Like many people working from home can be quite isolating. I joined the company’s VetNet employee group as a way to meet other veterans and reservists at BAE Systems and because I am passionate about veterans issues and supporting the Armed Forces Covenant.

 

“I am now co-chair of VetNet and we’ve got a great team together, supporting lots of different projects across BAE Systems including Armed Forces Week. No day is the same and that’s just the way I like it!”