Our people: Keeping soldiers ready, one exercise at a time
Written by Charlotte Sherwood, Senior Communications Specialist
Behind every soldier is a team of people working to make military training as realistic and effective as possible. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken to colleagues from across Saab UK's Training & Simulation business, each with their own story but a shared commitment to supporting those who serve.
As David Rossiter, Director of UK Operations for Training & Simulation, puts it:
“Behind every soldier fighting on the frontline is a member of Saab who has supported them throughout their training journey.”
Supporting every exercise from the ground up
One of the things that stood out most during these conversations was how much the team values working alongside the soldiers. For many former service personnel, it's an opportunity to continue contributing long after leaving the military.
We've got a vested interest in helping them succeed. We're happy to pass on our experience and knowledge, and if it helps improve the standard of the British Army, that can only be a positive thing.
Logistics Training Advisor, Andy, is one of those people. Supporting exercises across the UK and overseas, he sees his role as a chance to pass on experience.
That commitment continues throughout every exercise. Service Manager, Trevor Conway, and the team are there to issue equipment, provide training and offer support whenever it's needed.
Wherever they go, we will support them.
It's a simple statement that reflects a mindset shared across the business, helping soldiers focus on their training while Saab provides the support behind the scenes.
The hidden effort
What soldiers see on the training area is only part of the story.
As Andy explains, "People often think they simply turn up, collect their kit and get started, but there's much more involved."
Every exercise requires equipment to be prepared, systems to be configured and teams to be coordinated, often months before the first soldier arrives.
Liam Heller, Direct Fire Weapon Effect Simulator (DEFWES) Operations Manager, recently supported a major exercise in Germany involving around 2,500 British Army personnel.
Liam Heller, Direct Fire Weapon Effect Simulator (DEFWES) Operations Manager
Speaking to Liam highlighted the scale of teamwork involved. Communications specialists, analysts, technicians, logistics training advisors and operations teams all play their part. Once training begins, support continues around the clock to keep systems running and ensure soldiers get the most from the experience.
As Liam explains, the objective is not just to collect data, but to turn it into meaningful learning.
"We'll collect data from the system and feed it back into the exercise so it can be used as learning points and help develop soldiers in the future."
A team built on experience and trust
No two people I spoke to have the same career path.
Across Training & Simulation you'll find former soldiers, engineers, technicians, analysts and communications specialists working together towards a common goal. Some colleagues bring decades of military experience, while others joined through civilian careers.
What connects them is a genuine belief in what they're supporting.
Everyone here cares and wants to get the best out of the troops.
David believes that people are one of Saab's biggest strengths. "Saab takes a more hands-on approach to training and simulation than the majority of its competitors."
Working directly alongside customers builds trust, strengthens relationships and helps ensure training delivers the greatest possible value.
Creating opportunities for future talent
However, not every career in Training & Simulation begins in the military.
Site Technician, Tom, joined Saab as an apprentice and quickly discovered the breadth of opportunities available. Today, his role ranges from repairing equipment in the workshop to supporting soldiers in the field and working on some of the Army's most recognisable vehicles.
"I turn into a big kid when I'm out there."
Whether he's fitting equipment to Warrior and Challenger platforms or troubleshooting systems on exercise, Tom enjoys seeing the direct impact of his work.
Just as importantly, he values the opportunities Saab has provided throughout his career.
Saab is always pushing you to develop yourself and your skillset and provides opportunities and experiences that you might not find elsewhere.
His experience is a reminder that Training & Simulation is strengthened by people with different skills, backgrounds and perspectives.
Supporting soldiers when it matters most
Reflecting on these conversations, one theme stood out above everything else, the sense of pride in support the British Army.
For Tom, it's seeing soldiers use equipment he's worked on and supported.
"Seeing British Army soldiers use the equipment that I work on day to day gives me a sense of pride."
For Andy, one of the most satisfying parts of the job is knowing the systems he supports are helping soldiers learn, improve and perform at their best.
I love working with the team, and I enjoy everything we do in supporting soldiers. I also appreciate the way the system provides accurate, real-world feedback, helping to improve soldier performance and raise standards across the British Army.
And for David, it comes back to the purpose of Training & Simulation itself.
"We provide the capability to make soldiers and armed forces better prepared, more effective and more capable of carrying out their missions."
Together, these stories reveal something bigger than technology. They highlight the people who plan, prepare, maintain and support every exercise. The colleagues whose expertise, commitment and passion help transform technology into meaningful training and help ensure soldiers are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Because behind every simulation, every exercise and every soldier preparing for operations, there's a team of dedicated people helping make that training count.