Civil Service in the news
Out of office and on the front line
29/10/2007 - Ministry of Defence [External website] 
At any one time over a hundred Ministry of Defence (MOD) civil servants are performing a range of functions in operational theatres across the world including Iraq and Afghanistan. Report by Lisa Cole.
For MOD civilians an operational deployment can be anything between three and six months. Living and working alongside military personnel, often in difficult and challenging environments, the work is hard but the deployments can also be extremely rewarding and enjoyable both personally and professionally.
Time spent working in an operational theatre can provide a major insight into defence planning and current operations. Additionally, supporting the UK forces in action gives civilians a unique view of Service organisations and their activities, from the culture and ethos of military units to the utility of particular pieces of equipment; experience that might never be acquired in other MOD posts.
Deployments also put into context the work which is done by the MOD in the UK, helping those supporting operations overseas to better understand the impact of decisions made back home.
There may also be opportunities for MOD civilians to gain experience of working with other Government Departments (FCO, DFID and other agencies) in the field, demonstrating first hand the importance and benefits of joined-up government working practice.
In addition to the numerous benefits already mentioned, deployment to an operational theatre directly in support of a military operation may entitle MOD civil servants to certain medals such as the Iraq medal, the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the NATO non Article 5 Medal for service on NATO Operations in the Balkans. A number of civilians have also received medals through the honours lists.
“The work was demanding and testing. A typical day would start with morning meetings with up to 20 claimants waiting at the main gate to Basra International Airport to receive, discuss or conclude their claims against the British Forces.”
Neil Roberts
According to Neil Roberts, who deployed as the Area Claims Officer (ACO) in Iraq between October 2005 and March 2006, the wokd may be hard but it's extremely rewarding:
“This was my second deployment in the ACO post having been there from February to August 2004. The main role of the post was to investigate third party compensation claims made against the British Forces in Iraq and where appropriate pay compensation for damage, injury and losses where there was a proven case to do so,” said Neil.
“Working days were normally 15 hours in the office, seven days a week. Living and working conditions were basic but comfortable - both office and sleeping accommodation were portacabin type constructions.
“The work was demanding and testing. A typical day would start with morning meetings with up to 20 claimants waiting at the main gate to Basra International Airport to receive, discuss or conclude their claims against the British Forces. Afternoons and evenings were taken with investigating claims, seeking reports and paperwork from military units and analysing responses. I also had to respond frequently to parliamentary interest in claims activity in Iraq.
Following his deployment, Neil received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS), awarded in recognition of meritorious service during or in support of Operations:
“When I was advised that I was to be awarded the QCVS I was surprised to have been put forward, but proud that my work as ACO had been recognised by those in higher authority,” Neil continued.
“I also view the award as recognition of the work undertaken by the entire ACO team, which was carried out in some very testing situations and environments,” he added.
Another MOD civil servant, Keith Dearness, was posted as the Personnel Defence Adviser to the Iraqi Personnel Director from February 2006 to February 2007. Following his deployment, Keith received the United States of America's Superior Civilian Service Award, awarded by the United States to civilian employees of the US Army for outstanding service, achievement, or acts of heroism:
“I was very pleased to receive the US Superior Civilian Service medal,” said Keith. “I received the British Iraq medal as a result of a previous deployment as a Political Advisor (POLAD), so the US medal gave me something unique from my time in Baghdad.
“However, the far greater reward I received was the privilege to work with high quality, committed and brave Iraqi, US and British personnel. I originally deployed for six months, but having invested so much effort in establishing working relationships with key Iraqis in the Iraqi Ministry of Defence I decided to extend my deployment in order to try and make more progress and stayed for 12 months.”
The Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, Bill Jeffrey, hosted a reception for past civilian deployees in MOD Main Building.
“Living conditions at the British Embassy were good, certainly in comparison to other operational deployments I've been on, so the decision to extend was not such a hard one.”
As Advisor to the Director General for Personnel in the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, part of a 50-plus strong US/AUS/IT/UK advisory team to the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, I found myself the person the Iraqis looked to as the expert on all forms of management, planning, military and civilian personnel issues.
“I would highly recommend a posting as a Defence Advisor. It provided me with a unique development opportunity, experiences I'll never forget and new friends.”
Why do civil servants choose to deploy on operations?
- Operational deployments are the MOD's highest priority and are regarded very highly by senior officials and military commanders
- Operational deployments give MOD civil servants a chance to hone skills and competences in an extremely challenging environment
- Operational deployments give you the chance to see your impact on the work of the Armed Forces who we're here to support - often in real time
- Operational deployments give MOD civil servants an excellent chance to gain an understanding of what makes the Armed Forces 'tick'
- Operational deployments can be beneficial for your career. They offer a stern test of core and other competences, providing individuals who perform well with substantial evidence for the Department's assessment and development processes
- MOD civil servants who deploy on operations have the chance to see parts of the world and cultures which most people do not. Seeing behind the news headlines can be very illuminating and personally rewarding
- MOD civil servants who deploy on operations often form friendships which last for life with military and civil service colleagues
- Operational deployments are difficult but enjoyable giving those who experience it a huge sense of personal achievement
- Operational deployments can give you increased self-confidence, self-awareness and authority on return to the UK.