Wargaming Hub Chief of Staff - Shrivenham

Subject to formal establishment, Joint Boarding process and sS Policies a vacancy will arise for a OF4 to serve as Wargaming Hub (Chief of Staff) at the Integrated Warfare Centre - Shrivenham on FTRS Limited Commitment ((LC) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 15 September 2026 or (earlier/later, subject to formal establishment and candidate status). 

Unit Function:  

The mission of the Integrated Warfare Centre 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. This will enable a fully trained, integrated, and capable force that delivers Joint Conceptual Development (CONDEV) and Warfare Development (WARDEV) priorities in support of Joint Commanders, Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), and Allies at the joint and operational levels.  

Position Role:  

Staff Officer Grade 1 – Defence Wargaming (Chief of Staff).

Responsibilities:  

• Coordinate, facilitate, and plan the Defence Wargaming activities as conducted within the Defence Experimentation & Wargaming Hub (DEWH).  
• Engage with Wargame Commissioners to assist in the Discover, Define, Design, Execute, Analyse & Report stages of a Wargame.
• Maintain a close working relationship with IWC COS and wider CSOC Stakeholders at COS level including DCMCI /DCDC/DefAc / Other locations.
• Engage with MOD stakeholders, Dstl, industry partners, allies to gain/maintain situational awareness of wargaming and innovation activities and seek out opportunities for coherence/synergy.   
• Lead preparation of staff papers in support of wargaming activity linked to 2*/3*/4* boards.   
• Lead Wargaming Secretariat function in support of IWC governance activity including finance and reports/returns. 
• Promote an inclusive culture within the Enhanced Defence Wargaming, working to increase understanding through education and training.  
• Continuous professional development of own knowledge and skills associated with Defence Force Development, DExp and wargaming.   

Must be an OF4 of any specialisation.

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.

• ICSC (Air/Land/Maritime)
• Security Clearance - SC

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 WO K Chapman at the following email address - CSOCPeople-HR-ResHubGpMb@mod.gov.uk 

A Selection Board will carry out a rigorous selection process for this post, based principally on an applicant’s last 3 appraisal reports.  

The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026 and interviews will take place week soon after that date. 

Local Considerations

Domestic:

Based at Shrivenham but with regular attendance at MoD Southwick Park where the DEWH is situated. Regular engagement across MOD Head Office, IWC and other Shrivenham Station components, and Front-Line Commands.  Will also require routine domestic travel to Northwood and elsewhere (e.g. Portsmouth, Andover, High Wycombe, and MOD Head Office). Occasional international travel may be needed.

The post is currently SC but will be upgraded in the future to DV.

Employer Comments:

This is a high-profile position working on a topic of significant interest at senior level which requires tact and diplomacy to ensure alignment of Defence requirements and adherence to policy and procedure.  Due to the post requirement to manage DExp and wargame data and information, good IT skills (Office 365, Power Apps, Power Bi) would be a distinct advantage.  The post would suit an officer with knowledge, skills, and experience in the career field of Management of Defence and/or Operational Support.

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 non entitled rates subject to sS policies. 

 For further enquiries please contact WO K Chapman the CSOC Strategic HR Reserves at the following email address- CSOCPeople-HR-ResHubGpMb@mod.gov.uk