OF4/OF3 COS IWC BAT LAB

Subject to formal establishment, a vacancy will arise for a OF3-OF4 to serve as COS BAT LAB at IWC/CSOC/Shrivenham on FTRS Home Commitment Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 15 September 2026

Unit Function

The role of the Integrated Warfare Centre (IWC) is to optimise and adapt the current integrated force, through concepts and warfare development, to support UK and NATO joint commanders to achieve operational advantage over adversaries, across the continuum of competition.

Position Role

Chief of Staff (COS) for the IWC Battle Laboratory (BAT LAB).

Responsibilities

1.    Day-to-day direction and management of BAT LAB to maximise the Facility's use and sustain its capability on behalf of DIWC.

2.    Provide interface with CSOC, DIWC, Defence Academy and 2*/1* customers for Formations/Units using the Facility.

3.    Lead programme coherence and ensure BAT LAB contractors deliver agreed services. Lead BAT LAB Future Force Development activity for DIWC.

4.    Maintain BAT LAB security accreditation, SHEF and equal opportunities compliance. 

5.    Support the delivery of JCAST/FJCAST as required by AH JFT (Prog Dir), incl chair of the Technical Design Group (TDG).

6.    Act as the DIWC liaison between CSOC and Defence Academy for BAT LAB and Joint/Multi-national HQ training matter.

7.    Assist DIWC implementation of a medium-term solution to Joint/multi-national HQ training requirements.

Must be an OF3-OF4 of any specialisation. OF2 applicants with a positive recommendation in their most recent annual OJAR/SJAR may be considered for the role and the award of Acting Higher Rank (AHR). It is stressed that whilst a single positive recommendation will make you eligible for consideration, your entire OJAR/SJAR dossier will be considered for AHR in line with the principles of BR3(1) Part 8 and approval is not guaranteed.

OF5 applicants, if successful, will only be paid as and wear the rank of OF4.

Must be serving as a member of the Reserve Forces or have served with the Regular Forces.

Security Clearance SC 

ICSC

Joint Operational Planning Course

NATO Exercise Planners Course

Candidates should follow the application process for their service.

Royal Navy Applicants should follow the RN Application process.

Army Applicants should follow the Army Application process.

Royal Air Force Applicants should follow the RAF Application process.

All RAF applications are to submit the 3 most recent OJARs and a 2 page CV, which are to be sent to WO1RN Andrew Bailey quoting SERVE Ref Number and Job Title at the following email address - CSOC-People-StratHR-ResHubGpMbox@mod.gov.uk 

Please note - If applying for post of a higher rank than currently or previously held then a promotion eligibility report for substantive rank must be included. 

Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 4 appraisal reports.  

The closing date for applications is 23 August 2026.

Domestic
The incumbent must be able to routinely travel to and work at Shrivenham.    

Employer Comments
This appointment requires an officer with sound understanding of Joint/ Combined/ Integrated operations at the operational and strategic levels. Previous Joint HQ and collective training experience would be highly desirable.

Other Information: 

 Regular Service Applicants.  Personnel currently serving in the Regular Services should be mindful of the current Early Termination Minimum Waiting Time (MWT) for their respective Rank, Profession and ensure this MWT is compatible with the post sponsor’s proposed start date, prior to applying. 

Admin Discharge.  Subject to sS Policies candidates may be rejected. 

Pension Issues.  Personnel who qualify for a service pension should take financial advice from Defence Business Services (DBS) Pensions Department on the effect that undertaking reserve service has on their pension (details can be found on the JPA splash screen). Additional guidance can also be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans and MMP116 - Re-employment. Of particular note is reference to the ‘Effect of Re-employment’ on Commutation and, for those leaving on a ‘preserved’ pension, the Resettlement Grant. 

Transition between TaCoS.  Personnel taking this appointment from other TaCoS should consider the impact on any accrued entitlements, such as leave, resettlement etc and should seek specialist guidance where required as certain entitlements are TaCoS specific and may not be retained or transferred on transition between TaCoS.  

Flexible Working Arrangements.  In accordance with the Flexible Working (FW) Policy, Reserve personnel can request FW arrangements with their line manager.  Any immediate FW requirements should be agreed with the line management at the interview stage. 

Annual Training / Fitness / Medical / Dental. Subject to sS policies  

Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published sS Regulations JSP 754.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760. 

Accommodation. Personnel serving on FTRS TaCoS are eligible to occupy Single Living Accommodation (SLA) if surplus accommodation is available, at entitled rates subject to sS policies. 

For further enquiries please contact WO1RN Andrew Bailey the CSOC Strategic HR Reserves quoting SERVE Ref Number and Job Title on all correspondences at the following email address- CSOC-People-StratHR-ResHubGpMbox@mod.gov.uk