Huge congratulations to Signaller Shaun Acar of 233 (Global Communications Network) Signal Squadron, 13 Signal Regiment, this year’s Churchill Medal winner. His achievement highlights not only his exceptional talent, but also the innovation and professionalism at the heart of the Royal Signals.
In his own time, he designed, developed, and built an automated network management tool for the FAP. This programme, built in the PowerShell language, consists of nearly two thousand lines of code. It enables network engineers to construct various Falcon network groups automatically, granting them the correct Internet Protocol (IP) addresses and appropriate security classifications before producing live monitoring visuals with minimal input from users and deployed units. This provides a simplistic user interface that significantly reduces input errors, improving the accuracy of the live Falcon networks by removing the scope for human error.
Designing the tool required Acar to teach himself a new programming language before starting the project, using software that is compliant with the classified equipment used in the FAP, which in turn is used to monitor and manage the Falcon Network. This programme provides a simple user interface so that units deploying and establishing networks need only input the IP addresses of the devices requiring a connection. Once provided, the software generates the necessary networking information to establish a stable connection whilst automatically completing the required data fields on the network management software.
The impact of this innovative solution cannot be overstated. It has improved the efficiency of the Squadron by significantly reducing a previously time-intensive task by up to 38 hours a week for the Squadron’s Falcon engineers. This represents a 99% reduction in time on task, freeing engineers to devote additional time to supporting global operations and exercises. Moreover, it has simplified a complex task for the user, minimised the potential for error and sped up the communications link establishment process.
Engineers are now using this outstanding software, which provides immense value and improved efficiency to squadron personnel and the end user immediately and into the future. Embodying the ideals of innovation and self-sacrifice by working out of hours to deliver this invaluable application, Acar is worthy of recognition for his outstanding achievements at such a junior rank within the military.
