54MI (MILITARY INTELLIGENCE) ENGAGEMENT EVENING

EMPLOYERS, RESERVISTS AND GUESTS GATHER FOR 54MI (MILITARY INTELLIGENCE) ENGAGEMENT EVENING

Employers from across Northern Ireland joined members of 54 Military Intelligence Company for a special Engagement and Awareness Evening, strengthening ties between Defence, business, and wider society. Hosted at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, the event offered guests an inside look at the vital work of Army Reservists in intelligence and analysis, while highlighting the mutual benefits that come from strong Defence employer relationships.

Building a Whole-of-Society Approach

In opening remarks, the Chief Executive of RFCA NI emphasised that Defence and business must work more closely than ever before in today’s complex security landscape.

He described the UK’s shift toward a whole-of-society approach, noting that “nothing works unless we all work together” — a sentiment reflected in the growing collaboration between the Armed Forces, employers, and communities across Northern Ireland.

Reservists, he explained, sit at the heart of this partnership. By bringing cutting-edge civilian expertise from sectors such as digital, engineering, and logistics into Defence, and taking leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills back into their civilian workplaces, they strengthen both national security and the economy.

A New Era of Defence and Opportunity

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 was highlighted as a defining moment for UK Defence, reshaping priorities around warfighting readiness, NATO collaboration, and innovation at wartime pace.

For Northern Ireland, this transformation represents opportunity as well as challenge. With its strong engineering, logistics, and digital sectors, the region is uniquely positioned to contribute to Defence’s need for innovation, including in areas such as cyber, intelligence, and manufacturing.

The evening also showcased how Defence investment creates what the Chief Executive called a “defence dividend” — tangible benefits for communities and workers across the UK through job creation and economic growth.

Employers at the Core of National Resilience

The evening underscored that none of this progress is possible without the support of employers.

By signing and acting on the Armed Forces Covenant, organisations across Northern Ireland ensure that Reservists are able to serve without disadvantage and that their skills are recognised and valued in the workplace.

Guests also heard from serving Reservists, who shared their personal journeys and the dual benefit of military and civilian experience. Employers were encouraged to continue this partnership, through Covenant engagement and by enabling staff to explore Reserve service.

The event also demonstrated the whole-of-society approach in action, with cadets from Bloomfield Collegiate CCF among those taking part in the evening, representing the next generation’s engagement with Defence

Looking Ahead

Concluding the evening, the Chief Executive reflected: “Defence is stronger when society is engaged; society is stronger when Defence invests back. We’re not just building military capability , we’re building national resilience and prosperity.”

The 54 MI Engagement Evening was a clear example of that partnership in action , showcasing how shared values of service, leadership, and innovation can deliver security and opportunity for Northern Ireland and the UK alike.

Next Step

If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a reservist visit: jobs.army.mod.uk

learning more about the Armed Forces Covenant or registering for future events, email Darren Niven at [email protected]