Local Army Reservist Leads Next Generation of Military Training at Boeing

Boeing Defence UK programme manager Marie Perry from Bristol has served an esteemed 22-year career in the British Army as a Reservist in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In her civilian role, she heads up Gladiator, a synthetic training system designed by Boeing for the Royal Air Force (RAF) .

Her expertise and leadership are driving forward innovation and excellence in the field of military training. She is responsible for a team of over 60 people delivering the new home-grown capability based at the RAF’s Air and Space Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington. 

Perry is soon to be appointed Company Sergeant Major (CSM) and has been on several domestic and international deployments where she has experienced the first-hand challenges and operational needs of Boeing’s defence customers, including large-scale international exercises to Germany, Cyprus, and Canada.

“I’ve found my Army reservist role has always complemented my work in the defence sector and at Boeing,” she said. “It gives me a deep customer understanding because on the weekends, I am the person using the kit, I’m in their shoes, I see first-hand the challenges they face and can bring tangible knowledge back to the business, whether that’s through conversations with subject matter experts on the frontline or my own experience.  This knowledge allows us to tailor our platforms and services to be more capable and user-friendly for the warfighter.”

During Armed Forces Week, Boeing will celebrate the entire British armed forces family, including the more than 200 veterans and active reserves as part of its UK team who work alongside their military counterparts within the broader defence community, from RAF Odiham to RAF Lossiemouth.

“The unique perspectives, leadership, integrity and skills veterans and reservists like Marie bring to both their military service and their civilian careers are critical to Boeing’s success,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK.

Headquartered in Bristol, Boeing Defence UK recently opened a new facility that is home to a workforce of over 700 employees, including Perry.

“I’ve signed on for another 12 years in the Army, they’ll have to kick me out before I leave. I’m excited to take on this CSM role and see what’s next for my service career,” she said.