The gap between what technology can do and what defence organisations actually deploy is the single greatest vulnerability in modern national security.
Commissioned through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Led major operations and a £1 billion digital transformation programme. Served in Northern Ireland, Iraq, the Balkans and Sierra Leone, at the UK Ministry of Defence, and as a jungle warfare instructor in Brunei. Led officer training at the Canadian Infantry School as a British Army exchange officer. Awarded the MBE for exceptional services in defence digitisation.
Transferred to the Canadian Army. Served as a Director on the Army Staff leading strategic programming, then as a Director under the Chief of Force Development responsible for capability and structures integration.
Built global defence practices, transitioning deep operational expertise into strategic advisory for government clients navigating complex procurement and capability programmes.
Led Microsoft's Federal Government portfolio in Canada. Brought operational understanding to technology-led transformation across defence, intelligence and public safety communities.
Leads IBM’s consulting work for Canadian defence and national security clients. Delivers secure AI and hybrid multi-cloud solutions for national security resilience, and advises senior government leaders on transformation strategy and budget effectiveness.
End-to-end strategy for transforming defence capabilities, from policy through procurement to operational deployment, with hard-won insight into what actually works.
Advising governments on the operationalisation of national security strategies, leveraging best practice, emerging technology and innovation to achieve improved operational performance and better outcomes.
Architecting mission-critical solutions using AI, hybrid multi-cloud and cybersecurity, translating technological capability into operational advantage.
Deep experience across the UK, Canada, US and allied nations. Understanding the political, cultural and operational nuances that shape multinational defence cooperation.
Designing and implementing digital operating models that work within the institutional realities of government, closing the gap between strategic intent and operational delivery.
Building high-performing teams across military and civilian environments. Purpose-led leadership shaped by operations, not theory.
I write and speak on the subjects that matter most to the defence and national security community, with the candour of someone who has lived the consequences of poor policy and celebrated the impact of good decisions.
My primary platform. Regular analysis on defence policy, technology adoption, leadership and the issues shaping national security. Growing community of senior leaders, policy-makers and industry executives.
Follow on LinkedInLong-form essays on the deeper currents in defence, security and leadership. The arguments that need more room to breathe.
Read on SubstackSharp, honest reviews of the books that shape thinking on strategy, leadership, military history and geopolitics, written for busy professionals.
Read on SubstackBoard member. Contributing to the strategic direction of Canada's national network of colleges and institutes, shaping workforce development and applied research.
Board member. The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries. Canada's voice for the defence and security sector, representing over 900 companies.
Whether it's a speaking engagement, an advisory conversation or a strategic challenge you're wrestling with, I'm always open to connecting with people who are serious about making defence and national security better.
degs@derekdobson.com