Contents

usiness
Talking
point
“
The two most significant
developments affecting DSG
in recent weeks were the
Ministerial announcements
about the UK’s Strategic
Defence and Security Review
(SDSR) and the future shape and
size of DSG. It is still unknown
what the actual effect SDSR will have
on DSG’s future business profile or projected workloads but we
must presume it is unlikely that DSG will see an increase in
levels of work coming through our doors.
Our customers have to make some tough decisions in the
coming months, which will inevitably impact DSG and we shall
continue to work closely with them at every level to ensure
that everything we do and all that we provide are in the best
interests of defence and our Armed Forces. In tandem with this
work is the announcement that, provided the current level of
services we provide are not compromised and value for money
is demonstrated, then DSG will be considered for sale, although
the exact sale process and timing remains to be defined.
Following the SDSR announcement our own Minister, Peter Luff,
told Parliament that, notwithstanding the SDSR statement,
MOD was beginning the formal Trades Union consultation over
reductions in staffing levels in DSG of up to 600 personnel by
2013. This is due to reducing workloads and further efficiencies
and savings derived form our ongoing transformation
programme. In order that we do not prejudge the outcome of
this TU consultation we are unable, at this stage, to identify from
where within our various businesses we can deliver these
manpower reductions.
Naturally many of our employees raised concerns and questions
in relation to both of these announcements. We answered these
to the best of our ability based on the knowledge we currently
have on the various issues raised. These answers are available to
view on DSG’s intranet site or are available as hard copies
through your team leader, manager or local information officer.
We shall continue to keep all our employees informed of
developments as they emerge through normal communication
channels.
Finally, whilst recognising that we are facing difficult times ahead,
I would like to take this opportunity to offer you and your
families my very best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas
”
and New Year.
Best wishes
Archie Hughes
Chief Executive
Changes
to the DSG
Trading
Fund Board
Jamie Pike (left) presenting Terence Jagger with the
commemorative model cannon
Terence Jagger who has provided expert advice,
guidance and challenge as a Non-Executive
Director to the DSG Trading Fund (TF) Board has
left after over two years of service.
At his last meeting, Jamie Pike, Chairman of the DSG TF
board praised Terence for his work and presented
him with a commemorative model cannon made by
apprentices at DSG Donnington.
Commenting on Terence’s departure, Archie Hughes,
Chief Executive said, “Terence’s contribution to the Board
was invaluable. His expert knowledge and experience,
especially of the MOD, has been helpful in our pursuit to
deliver savings and improvement to the services we
provide to our Armed Forces. We wish Terence all the
very best for the future.”
Terence will remain within MOD in his new appointment
as Air Command Secretary. His successor, David Williams
has assumed the role of Director Financial Management
at MOD Centre and the role of Non-Executive Director
on the DSG TF board.
David is a career civil servant who rejoined the MOD in
October after a series of secondments to other parts of
the public sector, most recently for the NHS as a Board
member of an acute hospitals trust in East Sussex.
David worked in the MOD Centre from 1990 to 2006,
his most recent roles have included heading up the
central defence resources and plans staff, leading the
equipment scrutiny secretariat work including the UOR
process in support of the invasion of Iraq and before that
two years in the Secretary of State’s Private Office
working for Geoff Hoon.
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
3

news
End of the road for
gritter maintenance
at Warminster
L-R, Paul Jones, Phil Gleed, Nigel Levett, Les Noble and Paul Grearson stand beside the last repaired gritter truck
DSG Warminster recently completed
the repair of the last Wiltshire County
Council gritting vehicle as the fouryear
contract ended.
Work with the Council started in June 2006
as part of a MOD Wider Markets Initiative.
The contract with Wiltshire County Council
was for the support of the Council’s winter
vehicle fleet. These vehicles appear during
the winter, mainly at night, to grit and salt
the roads in order to keep the traffic
flowing through the night and into the
following morning. DSG’s work consisted of
the maintenance and repair of the vehicles
on their downtime during the summer, along
with roadside support and breakdown
recovery in the winter.
Most of the trucks used for gritting are on
their second life. The council bought them
from haulage contractors, usually with high
mileage. However, mileage is not a major
consideration for the Council, as long as
they were in good condition. All 38 vehicles
in the fleet had snowploughs and hoppers
fitted to take the rock salt and grit, and
there were an additional 20 demountable
bodies to maintain. The condition of the
vehicles was an initial concern for DSG’s
project manager Matt Akers. Matt told
Digest, “The equipment had suffered from
inadequate attention for some time, and
some of the vehicles were not actually
News in brief
Terry Neale, a provision clerk from B Vehicle
Cluster at DSG Land Supply in Telford, recently
deployed to Camp Bastion. Terry’s tour length is
twelve months and he will work as an administrator
supporting the DSG team in Camp Bastion. Terry
told Digest, “I look forward to supporting the team
out in Afghanistan and I am looking forward to the
many challenges that lie ahead.”
roadworthy. One of the first priorities was
dealing with corrosion, which was endemic
given the salty and damp conditions in which
the vehicles operated. Chassis were treated,
and the hoppers painted, and this soon
made a difference across the fleet. With the
return of each vehicle every year, we were
able to upgrade and maintain their
condition.”
“
I am delighted with
DSG’s performance
under the contract, and
would like to thank the
staff at Warminster for
their dedication in
keeping my vehicles in
”
such good condition.
Diane Ware, Wiltshire County Council’s
project manager for the programme, added,
“I am delighted with DSG’s performance
under the contract, and would like to thank
the staff at Warminster for their dedication
in keeping my vehicles in such good
condition.”
4
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news
End of an era at St Athan
This month marks the end of an era at
DSG St Athan when ZA147 will be the
last VC10 aircraft to leave the site
following a major maintenance.
VC10 Major Maintenance started at St Athan
in November 1992 and was carried out by 1
Squadron personnel. 1 Squadron was
renamed VMF when DARA took over VC10
major maintenance in April 1999.
ZA147 was the first JAVELIN major
maintenance carried out in January 2004 and
is now to be the last VC10 to undergo major
maintenance under the JAVELIN contract and
is on its third major maintenance at St Athan.
For all you enthusiasts, ZA147 will be the
51st VC10 major maintenance completed at
The ZA147 VC10 arriving at St Athan for its last major maintenance
St Athan. St Athan will continue to carry out
minor maintenance, currently contracted to
finish in December 2011, although
negotiations are in progress with a view to
extending maintenance at St Athan until late
2012.
Adrian Mathias, Head of LABU at DSG St
Athan, told Digest, “The VC10 has been an
important and well-loved aircraft doing a
great job for us, and a lot of the people here
have a long history with it. DSG and the MRO
providers have always had a very strong
reputation for excellent quality and
airworthiness. It’s been a long time, but the
aircraft is now some 50 years old and nothing
lasts forever. Although it will be a sad day for
many of us, I am looking forward to giving it
Indian Army General
visits DSG Warminster
DSG Warminster recently hosted delegations from the Indian Army.
Lt Gen I J Singh, selected as the next Director General of the Electrical
and Mechanical (EME) Corps of the Indian Army, along with Brig B
Bhusan visited the site to find out about the organisation of the Royal
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Corps and the provision of
REME training. Both highly qualified and experienced officers,
they served as commanding officers in repair workshops and
training establishments for the EME Corps.
Brendan Burrows, Head of Business Stream 2, along with Nick
Morgan, Head of Operation, Lt Col Derek Hull, Military
Liaison and Paul Grearson, Production Manager provided an
informative tour of the workshop.
The delegations seemed very interested in the Operational
Training Equipment Pool (OTEP) vehicles on display and the
support to training fleet provided by DSG.
Brendan Burrows told Digest, “The visit was really enjoyable and it
is very interesting to discuss and exchange best practices and share
experiences. The logistic challenges we both face are remarkably
similar, although the Indian Army has ten times as many tanks as
the UK.”
the send off it deserves. It will also mean that
130 DSG staff will be leaving DSG and I want
to thank them all for their excellent
contribution and wish them all the very best
for the future.”
Words echoed by DSG’s Chief Executive,
Archie Hughes who said, “The VC10 aircraft
has been a great asset to the UK Armed
Forces and many will mourn the passing of
such a loyal servant to our troops and
country. Keeping them in the air was a
masterclass in skilled engineering and
everyone in DSG who played their part in
maintaining this fleet should feel justifiably
proud in a job very well done. Everyone in
DSG and across defence give you thanks and
appreciation for all your efforts.”
Lt Gen I J Singh (right) presenting Brendan with a
silver plaque with the inscription ‘Presented by
Commandant and All Ranks MCEME.’
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
5

news
Transformation update
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
In the last edition of Digest, we looked at
some of the key activities and areas of
work integral to ERP’s success. In this
article we hear from some of the people
involved in the successful cutover of
Business Stream 1 (BS1) and Corporate
which enabled them to ‘Go Live’ on 2
November 2010 and find out what’s next
on the ERP calendar.
Nigel Turton, Corporate Head of Accounting
and Finance Policy told Digest, “Whilst several
colleagues in Corporate Finance had the
benefit of experience from previous BaaN
cutovers, the weekend of activity for the
Donnington and Corporate ‘Go Live’ was
intense and presented a host of new
challenges. As Business Process Owner for
Finance I am proud of the considerable effort,
diligence and achievement of the Finance team
involved during this significant change period
and pleased to see the whole business at
Donnington and Head Office working together
in order to achieve collective success.”
Paul Oates, BS1’s Cutover Manager shares his
experience of cutover, “What struck me
immediately was the commitment of the
Donnington team to be ready for ‘Go Live’.”
Work In Progress (WIP) Cutover Team
“
What struck me
immediately was
the commitment of
the Donnington
team to be ready
for ‘Go Live’.
”
“My major concern was the cutover of
purchase orders, sales orders and work in
progress (WIP), the latter being the most
challenging. The two major activities were the
customisation of and processing into work of
projects and the actual planning and releasing
of work to shop floor.”
“The Engineering Data team grasped the first
complex task with the same determination
they had shown during the months of
preparation leading up to cutover. They then
handed on to the planning team who set up a
LEAN processing line to deliver orders, via a
visually managed documentation control
system, to the shop floor in record time. The
team work and problem solving displayed in
The Documentation Control Team
these activities was a feature of the whole
weekend.”
Asked how he feels now that BS1 has gone live
Graham Sargent, Head of Business Stream 1,
told Digest, “For some time now, I have seen
positive people doing positive things, their
performance and achievements have been
immense. They are continually changing and
improving the way we do things.”
As well as being involved in BS1 Business user
pilots, a team from the main operating units of
BS2 including Bovington, Catterick, Colchester,
Stirling and Warminster, took the opportunity
to gain first-hand experience of a BaaN
cutover in preparation for their ‘Go Live’ at the
end of April 2011.
Digest asked Graham Bullen, BS2 Interim Head
of Support Services, what he and his team had
gained from the weekend, “We have gained
detailed understanding of the cutover process.
Having physical access to the system has
developed confidence amongst the team and
it was extremely positive for the BS2 staff to
be able to support their BS1 colleagues in
achieving another successful transformation
milestone for DSG.”
“It was great to see first hand how planning
drives the operation in the future. Recreating
this event across the five main operating units
and 15 dependent IBES will be a challenge but
one that we are now better prepared for.”
Delivery of first batch of BaaN shop floor documentation to Minor Assemblies Team
What next?
ECBU training began in November
and invitations for BS2 training will go
out in December, with training
scheduled to start in mid January
2011.
Information on ERP is available by
following the ERP link on the front
page of the DSG intranet.
6
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news
Apprentice update
Andrew Murray working
hard on the ship
SETTING SAIL
Our enviable apprentice scheme continues turning out engineers of the very highest calibre.
At the Tom Nevard Memorial Competition in Glasgow, apprentices representing DSG
endured four days of machining and general hand fitting against a strong contingent of
apprentices from Abbey Wood and DSDA.
The exemplary skills of four apprentices from Donnington earned them all awards. Ben
Dovey won first place and Steve Wilson runner up in the Hand Skills Phase 2 for making a
setting tool, Matthew Powell’s half inch square drive ratchet racked up the Machining Phase
2 prize with Kevin Lewis placed runner up.
Our Bovington site proudly achieved success with Ben Camfield winning in the Machining
Phase 1 and James Braithwaite runner up
for construction of a rotating mechanism.
Barry Potts, Donnington Apprentice
Supervisor commented on the success of
the apprentices “It is fantastic news that
DSG has won so many accolades at this
year’s competitions. When you train
someone, you hope that what you are
teaching him or her is sinking in. Of course
winning awards clearly demonstrates that
it is. Our representation and successes at
the competitions clearly shows that we
have a solid scheme with good apprentice
masters guiding the apprentices.”
Andrew Murray, an apprentice at DSG Donnington, recently won
the Elvy and Coast Award, which is a charity award offering the
successful apprentice the opportunity and funding to take part in
a character building adventure activity. Andrew’s chosen activity
was the south west coast challenge, which sailed in August from
Brixham in Devon to Barry Island in South Wales.
With a crew of 64 working together as a team and sharing
responsibilities, they took part in all aspects of sailing, working
quickly and efficiently in responding to orders from the helm,
manning the wheel, setting sail, ‘Happy hour’ also known as cleaning,
helping to cast off and dock the ship and climbing the mast to stow
the sails. Speaking about his experience, Andrew told Digest “I
gained a lot from it as I learnt how to work better in a team. I
thoroughly enjoyed it.”
TOM NEVARD MEMORIAL COMPETITION
The successful Donnington apprentices,
L-R, Ben Dovey, Kevin Lewis, Steve Wilson and Matthew Powell
The successful Bovington apprentices,
Ben Camfield (left) and James Braithwaite
MOD Apprentice of the Year, Daniel Wright
MOD APPRENTICE OF
THE YEAR
Daniel Wright, an apprentice from
DSG Catterick has received the
prestigious MOD Apprentice of the
Year title. Daniel’s achievement has
made it a consecutive year gold medal
success for DSG.
Dr Liam Fox Secretary of State for
Defence will present him with his
award at MOD’s annual Apprentice
Awards ceremony in London this
month. We shall cover this story
in detail in the next edition of
Digest, including pictures of his
great day. Everyone across DSG
congratulates Daniel on his
triumphant achievement.
Daniel has also reaped further
success, coming runner up in the Team
Challenge of the Tom Nevard
Competition. Working with Catterick
apprentices Kev Foster, Bruce
Thomson and Richard Marsh, the
team had to design and produce a golf
trolley in 27 hours from the electric
components, wheels and motor
supplied.
The Catterick apprentice award winners,
L-R, Bruce Thomson, Richard Marsh,
Daniel Wright and Kevin Foster
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
7

news
Information Assurance
Maturity Model (IAMM)
levels and DSG
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
IA PROGRAMME:
IA Leadership and Governance
Coherent IA Standards
Dynamic and Coherent
Process Management
IA Capabilities
People
Policy/Process
DPA98 Restructure
Core Messages
Third Parties
Awareness and Culture
Education and Training
IA Compliance
IA Embedded in the Transformation Plan
DELIVERY
PROJECTS
Business
as usual
DSG IAMM Level 1 Achieved by
31st March 2010
DSG IAMM Level 2 Achieved by
31st March 2011
DSG IAMM Level 3 Achieved by
31st March 2012
In this article, we look at the
different levels of the Information
Assurance Maturity Model (IAMM),
how to achieve them and where
DSG stands now.
The Defence Board’s (DB) Information
Assurance (IA) vision is, ‘Through diligent
application of Information Assurance
principles throughout, the MOD will
defend, exploit and manage information
to obtain and sustain information
superiority.’ Peer reviews are the primary
method to help assure the DB and the
Defence Audit Committee (DAC), that
its vision is met and that the MOD is on
target to meet the Level 3 IAMM
deadline.
There are five levels of IAMM:
Level 1 Initial 31 March 2010 deadline:
Main Board is aware of the criticality of
IA to the business, its legal requirements
and that the business complies with
these legal requirements i.e. in DSG do
we have an IA Policy and Process in place
endorsed by the Board? Do we have
Policy and Process in place to meet our
IA legal requirements?
Level 2 Established 31 March 2011
deadline:
IA Policy and Process is institutionalised
within the business, delivery partners and
third party suppliers i.e. in DSG are these
policy and processes adopted, measured
and controlled? Has DSG assessed and
addressed cultural change? Are members
of staff aware of their responsibilities? Is
targeted IA education and training in
place?
Level 3 Business Enabling 31 March
2012 deadline:
There are measured improvements in
Information Risk Management (IRM)
behaviours at all levels of the business i.e.
in DSG are all areas of the business
subject to a robust IA regime.
Level 4 Quantitively Managed deadline
to be notified (tbn):
There is evidence to show that staff
attitudes and behaviours towards
assuring information are aligned to the
needs of the business i.e. in DSG does
the Senior Information Risk Owner
(SIRO) have available IA metrics from
which to take an informed approach to
managing information risk?
Level 5 Optimised deadline tbn:
IA is fully integrated as an aspect of
normal business i.e. in DSG the culture
of the business is such that at all levels of
management IA is judged a business
enabler.
The DSG Board have endorsed the
requirement to achieve the first three of
these levels within the required
timeframe.
Initially DSG underwent a series of selfassessment
exercises to indicate to the
MOD Chief Information Officer
Information Handling and Assurance
Team (CIO-IHAT) our starting position.
DSG were subject to the Level 1 IAMM
Peer Review in October 2009, which
centred on interviews with the DSG staff
who undertook various elements of IA
management. DSG were extremely close
in achieving this level at this point but we
received various recommendations in the
peer review report, which required
action. We addressed these
recommendations and achieved Level 1
attainment before the 31 March 2010
target date.
DSG will be subject to the Level 2 IAMM
Peer Review this month at DSG Sealand.
This year the review will centre on
people and culture and will comprise of
interviews with the DSG IA team and as
the review team will wish to make sure
that we are starting to embed IA
practices throughout DSG, visits to the
shop floor. This is why the review will
take place at a working site rather than
Andover.
Should this article have generated any
further interest in IA or if indeed there
should be any questions, please do not
hesitate to call the DSG Data Records
Adviser, Martin Seamark.
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news
Catterick
family
open day
Long
service
rewarded
Family, friends and former colleagues at St Athan
recently gathered to witness John Reilly, DSG’s Chief
Operating Officer, present Gwyn Davies with the
Imperial Service Medal for long and meritorious service
to the MOD.
Visitors enjoying a tour of DSG Catterick
Catterick recently hosted a family open day in aid of Help
for Heroes. The events committee, which included Mike
Robinson, Colin Tinkler, Emma Hogarth, Danny Wright,
Richard Marsh, Dave Paling, Stu Hull, Pete Ellis, Saul
Shepheard and Gez Prince organised the day.
The committee spent three months organising the event, pooling
their resources and pleading favours to make it all happen.
On the day about 280 visitors took part in an afternoon of face
painting, crazy golf, football, site tours, displays, and a barbecue
manned by Bryan Reed, Head of Site. Many were snapping up the
prizes of the popular tombola and there was fierce competition
for the raffle prizes with many coveting the £100 Argos voucher
and a football signed by the Tottenham Hotspurs first team.
Other local businesses got involved with Swaledale Mountain
Rescue Team and Colburn Fire Fighters showcasing a display and
prizes generously donated by various businesses.
The day was a great success and the team managed to raise £782
for Help for Heroes.
Colin Tinkler told Digest, “It was a fun opportunity for our families
and friends to see what we do in our working environment. The
weather was kind to us on the day, which, I’m sure, encouraged
people to attend, and as our aim was to raise funds for Help for
Heroes, we needed their support. Thanks must go to everybody
who participated and to all the volunteers on the day. Hopefully,
there will be similar events in the future.”
John Reilly presents
Gwyn Davies with his
Imperial Service Medal
“...I have found him to be a
conscientious worker who
always ensures that work is
carried out to a high standard
and on time. He was always
committed to his work.
”
Gwyn began working at St Athan in June 1981 as a Fitter
Electrical. Gwyn worked in various Squadrons over the years
until in 2001 he became DARA team co-ordinator. His final
position was as a DSG team leader until his last day of service in
March 2010.
Paul McGinn, Gwyn’s line manager commented on Gwyn’s
service, “In the time I have known Gwyn as a team member as
well as his line manager, I have found him to be a conscientious
worker who always ensures that work is carried out to a high
standard and on time. He was always committed to his work.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
9

Staff in DSG’s Large Aircraft Buisness
Unit at St Athan with the last VC10 to
undergo major maintenance
Photo taken by Mark Tamplin, © Copyright Mark Tamplin

news
Doing more
for the environment
DSG Donnington is doing more to
help the environment by
commissioning and installing a new
water treatment initiative.
Tightening legislation and increasing costs
for disposing of aqueous effluents have
made it increasingly important for
companies to treat their waste on-site
and to look at ways of optimising
treatment and reducing the overall
treatment costs in terms of chemical
usage and sludge disposal.
In August 2009, Donnington assigned
CTech with carrying out trials on waste
water from around the site. CTech
established that the waste water can be
treated using their PolyClay chemistry.
Mark Cadwallader, Environmental
Champion at Donnington told Digest,
“The new installation has considerable
benefits, including reducing our waste
water removal costs and meeting our
trade effluent discharge limit, which
allows us to discharge the treated waste
water in to foul sewers through our
trade effluent disposal route. It also
enables dewatered solid waste to go
through the general waste stream to
landfill. DSG Donnington is always
looking at new ways of preserving and
protecting the environment.”
The CTech process in action
The CTech team, L-R, Mark Cadwallader, Alan Drinkwater, Alan Payne,
Alison Beech (CTECH), Jason Docksey, Chris Powell and Ian Guest
Stirling’s mountain man
Pete tackling Ben Nevis
Peter Buchanan who works in Customer Services at DSG Stirling took part in his 21st Ben
Nevis hill race and on completion joined the elite club of dedicated runners who have
received the Conochie Plaque.
Instituted in 1972, the Connochie Plaque is the idea of Dr Connochie, an enthusiastic member of the Ben
Nevis Race committee who endowed the award of a plaque to the late Eddie Campbell for completing
his 21st Ben Nevis hill race and future runners who would achieve the same feat.
The extremely popular hill race starts in Claggan Park, Fort William with the goal of running the ten mile
distance up and down Britain’s highest mountain, with a climb of 4400 feet, in the shortest possible time.
Dougie Vipond from BBC Scotland’s Adventure Show interviewed Peter. As an avid runner of the race and
about to complete his momentous 21st race, Dougie wanted to know what made people like Peter return
to the race year after year. Peter advised him that it is purely the challenge of tackling Britain’s highest
mountain.
Peter didn’t beat his personal best but at 2 hours 12 minutes 15 seconds, it was still a sprightly
performance for someone over 50.
Congratulations to Peter on his achievement. We all hope that he continues to run many more races in
the future.
12
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news
Omar returns home
After three years of service in the
United Kingdom, Lt Col Omar
Aladwan returned to Jordan in
October. Omar is a member of the
Jordanian Military, Naval and Air
Attaché’s office and worked alongside
DSG staff at Andover.
Under the Al Hussein Project (AHP), Omar
was responsible for the delivery of the
interests of the Jordanian Armed Forces
(JAF) under the terms of the Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) between the UK
Government and the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordan.
Omar worked hand in hand with Ron
Sumner, DSG’s Overseas Project Manager
to deliver the MOU. This included managing
AHP contracts, commitments and budget,
managing future declarations of surplus
spares and support equipment for
Challenger 1 (CR 1) and Scammell
Commander and assisting Jordan with any
upgrade work required to equipment and
the placement of contracts with British
Industry for equipment spares and support
including, but not limited to, the CR1 and
Scammell Commander. They also worked
together ensuring adherence to the
security instructions relating to the special
armour as laid down in the MOU.
Omar came to live in the UK in rural
Hampshire with his wife and four boys.
During his time of service here, Omar’s
wife gave birth to their fifth child, a little
girl. Throughout their stay, Omar’s wife and
his children have enjoyed many trips
around the UK to places such as
Bournemouth, Clacton on Sea, Isle of Wight
and all the usual tourist spots in London.
Omar told Digest, “I have enjoyed my time
at DSG and in the UK. I have worked with
some very nice people, which made settling
in easier. The role of the AHP Liaison
Officer allowed me to travel throughout
the UK and certainly broadened my
experience of working with a different
culture. I will miss everyone but its time to
go home and start a new challenge.”
Lt Col Wajeeh Khlefat, accompanied by his
wife and four children, replaces Omar and
they are all settling in well and embracing
their new life.
Ron Sumner added, “Omar is a true
gentleman and it was a great pleasure
working with him. We both worked hard
on the project and gained many successes
to the delight of both parties. It is sad to
see Omar go but although we will not be
seeing each other on a regular basis, we will
continue to work closely together as he is
returning to the Royal Maintenance Corps
Headquarters, the department who look
after the AHP in Jordan. I have met Wajeeh
on many occasions during my work on the
project. I am looking forward to developing
my relationship with him during his time in
the UK and for the project to continue to
prosper over the coming years.”
“
The role of the
AHP Liaison Officer
allowed me to travel
throughout the UK
and certainly broadened
my experience of
working with a
different culture.
”
Lt Col Omar Aladwan
pictured with Ron
Sumner, DSG’s
Overseas Project
Manager (right)
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
13

news
5 minutes with…
Pete Mann, Team Leader IBES Woolwich
Pete served 16 years as a REME soldier before joining
DSG in 1995. He commutes daily to Woolwich to lead a
team of 15 providing a service to London District.
If I weren't talking to you... I
would be either leading the team at
Woolwich or having fun at home with
the family and grandchildren.
A common misperception of me
is... I am not aware of any
misperception so I asked the team
whilst travelling to work in the van.
They kindly told me that, “What you
see is not what you get.” I am Big
Pete on the outside but inside there I
am a caring family man.
The worst thing you could say to
me is… anything to do with Arsenal
Football Club.
My biggest influence is… My wife
Jan, my children and grandchildren.
The ideal night out is... Romford
Dogs or a casino and coming away
with more money than I arrived with.
You know me as… Pete, a regular
bloke from Clacton but in truer life
I'd have been... a member of the
Bulgarian underworld. I am sure that
the pension is better!
I'm good at... Picking out the
winners at the dog and horse tracks.
I'm very bad at... Keeping my
winnings away from my wife.
If I could pass any law I’d… Have
to look at the Immigration laws.
Although I understand the concept of
free travel, I think there needs to be
some kind of control.
The last film I saw was… Avatar.
Not my type of film but my wife made
me go.
On my last holiday… I had two
holidays this year. A week in Turkey,
followed by a week in Spain. They both
“
Pete, a regular
bloke from Clacton.
”
went according to plan. I spent the
holiday chilling out and watching the
world go by with a well chilled beer.
The three things I’d want on a
desert island, apart from family
are… Sky Sports so that I could
watch Spurs in the Champions League.
My whisky collection and a limitless
supply of Guinness to celebrate their
success.
A close shave for Norman
The Business Stream 2 team
based in building A28 at
Donnington regularly sell items for
Help for Heroes but Kerry
Kandola, Customer Services
Norman before and after the shave
Officer, thought of an even better
way of raising some funds by
shaving their team leader, Norman
Fluhrer.
His wife agreed that if they raised £200
Norman’s beard could go. This is only
the second time since he was 17 years
old that Norman has removed his facial
hair and he is now almost due for his
long service recognition medal. When
Kerry sets her goals she always achieves
them with flying colours. They raised
£271 within a few days. Poor Norman
looks bare faced now. Everyone wants
him to grow it back as soon as possible
as it looks like it will be another cold
winter.
The total amount raised for Help for
Heroes including the selling of
merchandise came to £573.
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news
The good, the bad and
the ugly at Donnington
The SRO team
In 2006, a small team of men came together to form the Specified Repair
Order (SRO) section in a corner of the Warrior Base Overhaul rebuild
line at Donnington.
Between them, they had a vast amount of experience, gained from working at GKN
Defence, now part of BAE Systems, working on Warrior, Saxon and 430s, in the
production area and development department between 1970 and 1990.
The DSG SRO team has now grown in strength with a good mix of age, experience,
skills, flexibility, and a can do attitude. No job is too big.
The team had the pleasure of Head of Site, Graham Sargent joining them for a day’s
work on the section.
Over 100 Warriors passed through the section in 2009/2010 on a number of
programmes, not only SRO work, but also battle damage and base overhaul. Last
year, they supported an upgrade programme on a number of Warriors out in Camp
Bastion. More recently, they have completed a Warrior UOR upgrade programme
for Op HERRICK and worked in a number of units in Germany, fitting modifications
to Warriors. There are still four men out in Afghanistan supporting the regeneration
programme in Camp Bastion. They are due home later in the year.
Mark Cartwright, team leader told Digest, “This year’s work has started off slow
with the base line taking priority, but we are just catching our breath ready for the
challenging times ahead.”
News in
brief
Whilst many of you will be enjoying
a well-earned Christmas Break, staff
at DSG Land Supply will be moving
from their current location at
Sapphire House, to Building B15 at
Donnington.
Their new address is:
DSG Land Supply
Bldg B15
Donnington
TF2 8JT
Key contact numbers are:
DSG LS Help Desk
01952 673701
94480 Ext 3701
Tracey Humphreys, Assistant to Head
of Land Supply and LIO
01952 673702
94480 Ext 3702
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
15

news
Lucky seven get diplomas
Pictured from L-R, Ian Rocket, Apprentice / Training Manager, Scott Coleman, Mike Lonsdale-Smith, Joe Toye, Dan Rogers,
Ben Courage, Richard Woodham, Dave King, Wiltshire College and Nick Morgan, Head of Site Warminster
Seven DSG Warminster
employees have successfully
achieved the BTEC National
Diploma in Heavy Vehicle Repair.
BTEC National qualifications are designed
to provide specialist work-related
qualifications in a range of sectors and
provide career development
opportunities for those already in work.
Made up of 18 units, the National
Diploma is currently the highest general
technical qualification available from
college.
To gain the National Diploma, Scott
Coleman, Mike Lonsdale-Smith, Joe Toye,
Dan Rogers, Ben Courage, Richard
Woodham and Baz Hodges had to
research and complete up to four
assignments towards each unit. With 18
units, it meant that the students
completed over 70 separate assignments
and endured 1080 hours of guided
learning over three years backed with
support from DSG Warminster and
Wiltshire College.
The diverse subjects covered in the BTEC
included preparing designs on paper using
drawing boards as well as Computer
Aided Design. The technical units varied
from basic batteries starting and charging
to full vehicle management systems and
rear steering articulated trailers.
In addition to the individual assignments,
the students completed a Vehicle
Technology project where they were
required to identify a problem and design
a tool or process to address it. Without
exception, all of the students came up
with innovative solutions and designs
which in many cases demonstrated an
ability to think outside the box.
Nick Morgan, Head of Site, told Digest,
“All of the students have demonstrated
commitment, effort and dedication.
Congratulations to them for earning their
well deserved qualification. Special thanks
to Dave King from Wiltshire College for
all his hard work, patience and dedication
throughout. As DSG’s prime function is to
sell the technical expertise of its
workforce these young employees have
gained an academic qualification to
complement their practical training, which
will aid their future careers and benefit
our business.”
News in brief
Warminster recently held a family and friends open
day organised by volunteers.
Enthusiastic visitors dodged heavy showers to have a good
look around the static vehicle display, showcasing the
complete range of the Operational Training Equipment Pool
(OTEP) fleet. The display, which included Mastiff and Jackal,
mirrors the fleet currently on operational deployment in
Afghanistan. Fortunately the weather brightened up as the
day progressed.
Nick Morgan, Head of Site commented, “Thanks to the help
of the volunteers, the site was able to put on this event to
highlight the valuable work carried out by Warminster to
support training for operations. It was a resounding success
with almost 200 employees and visitors attending.”
Visitors enjoying the display
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news
The EMC Chamber –
one of Bovington’s
hidden assets
Challenger 2 in the EMCC
It is not common knowledge
that one of the buildings at
DSG Bovington houses an
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility
Chamber (EMCC). This facility
enables measurements to be
made of electrical emissions
from the equipment fitted into
vehicles that might otherwise
cause problems.
Electro-magnetic radiation often causes
interference, particularly when rapidlychanging
electrical currents are produced
by on-board equipment.
There is an increasing amount of
electronic and electrical devices being
fitted into military vehicles such as
sensors, air conditioning, computers and
weapons systems, as well as engine
ignition and management systems. It is
important that they all operate together
compatibly and particularly that they do
not interfere with the vehicle’s own radio
communications. The process also
eliminates the emission of electronic
noise, which could give away the vehicle’s
location in a hostile environment.
Constructed in 1992, it was the second
largest EMCC in Europe at that time.
Measuring 18.5 metres square, with a
height of seven metres, it is still one of the
biggest facilities of its type in regular use.
As well as being physically big, the
chamber has a strengthened floor,
enabling it to take loads of up to 70 tons.
Three different standards of measurement
are applied - DRE01, DRE03 and MVEE
595. Each one uses different antenna and
measuring parameters. MVEE 595 is the
test most commonly carried out, as it
specifically covers the frequency range of
standard military communications (HF 2 –
30Mhz and VHF 30 – 76Mhz).
Measurements taken by detectors flag up
whether or not predetermined pass limits
are achieved.
When there is a high emission or a
problem, the culprit can be identified and
remedial action taken. This usually means
adjusting the equipment, changing
components, improving its earthing, or
bonding to enable re-testing to take place.
Bovington use the EMCC for suppression
checks on Challenger tanks, Challenger
Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicles
and vehicles coming through on
programmed Economical Base Repair, but
it is also open to other users. Facility
Manager Steve Payne told Digest, “The
Bovington EMCC is available for use by
other Business Streams within DSG as
well as other parts of the MOD or the
Defence Industry. At one time or another
most of the standard range of in-service
military vehicles have been through the
chamber, but other types to have been
tested in the EMCC include prototype
police cars, fire engines and 4x4 vehicles.”
“
The Bovington
EMCC is available for
use by other Business
Streams within DSG
as well as other parts
of the MOD or the
Defence Industry.
”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
17

across the country
Across the c
Brew’s up at Donnington
Since 1885, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) is the national charity helping and
supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve and the families of both.
B vehicles at DSG Donnington feel very strongly about the help that SSAFA provides to our Armed Forces and for the past
three years have supported ‘The Big Brew’ by providing homemade cakes and beverages for our customers and contractors.
This year they have again exceeded all expectations and raised £631.50
Customer Services in A28 at
DSG Donnington would like to
say a huge thank you to everyone
who supplied homemade cakes to
make our event the most
successful so far. They would also
like to thank the following people
who have generously donated, not
only their time, but provisions and
for whom they would not have
been able to participate in this
event;
Mrs A. Challinor- chief cake maker
(Fiona’s mum)
Mr R. Jarvis- egg supplier
A special thank you goes to Mr
Dave Smith of Midway Tanker
Services Ltd for his very generous
donation.
Kerry Kandola (left) and Fiona Challinor with members of 30 Signals LAD.
Kerry and her medals
Badminton success
Congratulations to Kerry Stone who took part in the Annual MOD Badminton
and Squash Championships held at Lilleshall Sports Centre in Shropshire on 29
and 30 September. This was the first time that Kerry had entered the
competition and represented DSG’s Land Supply Business Unit (LSBU) at
Telford in the women’s singles and doubles competition and the mixed doubles
competition.
Kerry won both the women’s singles title and the women’s doubles title with her partner
Sarah Smith who works for the MOD in Bath. Kerry and her partner James Bose, who
works for PPPA, unfortunately did not make it past the group stages of the mixed doubles.
Commenting on her achievement, Kerry told Digest, “I really enjoyed the two days I spent
competing at Lilleshall. It gave me the opportunity to play a sport I really love while
meeting some nice people who work in other parts of MOD. It was great to represent my
place of work, especially as I won. Hopefully it has put DSG Telford on the badminton map.”
Congratulations also to Pete Howells from DSG LSBU who progressed as far as the
quarterfinals in the men’s singles squash competition.
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across the country
untry
Wear it pink
Dave in action
A long cycle
home
When Dave Curran, VC10 Team Leader at
DSG St Athan said he was cycling home
nobody realised he meant cycling home to
Scotland.
Dave had been planning the trip for over a year
having completed an organised 120-mile cycling event
in the South Wales area.
With the journey home to his parents in
Dumfriesshire in South West Scotland, being
approximately 380 miles by motorway, Dave drew up
a route plan that would take three days of cycling.
So on a cool September morning, Dave left home in
Bridgend and set off for Scotland.
The end of day one saw him in Whitchurch,
Shropshire after 141 miles, day two in Kendal after
110 miles and home in Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire on
day three after 115 miles. The total mileage reading
for the trip was 367 miles.
Dave told Digest, “The plan for next year is a two day
cycle from Nash Point lighthouse in South Wales to
South Stack lighthouse on Anglesey, in aid of the
RNLI. However, as I made my return journey home
by coach this will have to wait until I get my bike back
from Scotland!”
Angela getting into the spirit of Wear it Pink day
Angela Staff, Facilities clerk and LIO at DSG
Colchester recently organised a “Wear it
Pink Day,” in aid of the Breast Cancer
campaign.
Angela told Digest, “As someone who has
experienced the trauma of breast cancer, I decided
to get the staff of DSG Colchester to wear
something pink on the day to raise funds for such a
worthwhile cause.” Of course, not everyone wore
the same degree of pinkness as Angela. It varied
from wearing a rather discreet pair of pink stripy
socks to the Financial Controller attending the
weekly Functional Brief modelling a fuchsia pink
pashmina, very fetching!
Angela added, “I received great support from all my
colleagues and would like to thank them for their
kind donations, which raised £100 on the day. It’s
now been 7 years since my diagnosis and it feels
good to be able to give back a little to help other
women who find themselves in the same situation.”
www.dsg.mod.uk December/January 2011 DIGEST
19

competition
COMPETITION
This month you have the opportunity to win an Apple iPod
Touch 32GB, courtesy of MPI Aviation Limited. To be in with a
chance of winning this prize, simply answer the following
Christmas film themed questions.
1. In which 1990 film did Macaulay Culkin battle with a burglar played by
Joe Pesci?
2. The film Love Actually featured a performance of All I want for
Christmas Is You, name the original female artist?
3. In the film White Christmas, where did Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye
put on a show to save the business owned by their former general?
4. In the 1988 Scrooge film, who played the selfish television executive
visited by three spectral manifestations?
5. Which film featured the following quote “Look, Daddy. Teacher says,
every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”?
6. What is the name of the little girl in the film Miracle on 34th Street,
Kris Kringle tries to convince that Santa exists?
The closing date for the competition is Friday 17 December 2010.
The winner of last month’s competition and winning a Dualit DAB Radio
is Carol Burgess from DSG Sealand.
The correct answers were:
1. A coven
2. Jamie Lee Curtis and her mother Janet Leigh
3. Mexico
4. Scream
5. Samhainophobia
6. Pet Sematary
Please send all your entries in to the Editor by Friday 17 December 2010.
E-mail: Alicia.puddick@dsg.mod.uk
Intranet: Click on the link on the dsg.net homepage
Fax: 95421 4205 / 01446 784205
Post: DSG Corporate Communications, Building 282, MOD St Athan,
Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 4WA
Name:
Business Unit/Department:
Telephone Number:
ENTRY FORM
RULES OF ENTRY
The competition is restricted to
DSG employees only.
Only one entry per person will be accepted.
20
DIGEST December/January 2011 www.dsg.mod.uk