STEM Conversations - Claire Whitlam

THE SECRET STEM LIFE OF…CLAIRE WHITLAM, TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS

FORMER ARMY OFFICER REME (ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS)

What/ who inspired you to become a royal electrical and mechanical engineer officer (REME)?

My grandfather was a Mathematician and an Engineer in the Royal Air Force, and my father was an Army Officer, so they had told me lots of stories about what it was like to work in the army. When I was younger I had grown up around army bases and followed my dad around, so I understood the army lifestyle, especially the family side of it.

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How would you describe what a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer is?

The REME provides all the mechanical and electrical support necessary for the Combat Arms, for example, the Infantry, the Calvary and the Army Air Corps. This encompasses a large range of jobs, from repairing and fixing battle tanks, weapons and helicopters, to recovering vehicles that have been in explosions under fire or precuring equipment for the military. The actual role in battle is to enable the army to fight by providing logistical and technical support.

Did you always envision yourself becoming an engineer and working with the army?

When I was 14, I did some work experience with the Army Air Corps, working with some military helicopters. I was fascinated by the helicopters and by the soldiers repairing them so methodically, as every last detail had to be engineered to withstand the huge vibrations. I went to a school which was specialised to accommodate and teach the kinds of technical skills necessary to become military engineers, so from a relatively young age I was sure I wanted to become an engineer in the military.

What advice would you give to someone trying to become and engineer?

Don’t worry about becoming an expert in one field or another. The basic engineering principle can be applied to many areas and as long as you are prepared to ask others and learn from people who are experienced you can have

an impact. Sometimes fresh eyes on a project or a different approach to problem solving is what is needed, not necessarily the relevant technical experience.

What difficulties in your career did you face, and how did you deal with them?

One of the challenges I faced as a young officer was always being taken out of my comfort zone and always moving jobs every couple of years, everything you do is a bit of a leap of faith and you really need to trust yourself and be really flexible and adaptable. Additionally, managing the careers of my soldiers and all the pastoral issues that come with it was a challenge.

What do you think are the most important qualities of a royal engineer? It is important to have an overall technical understanding, but also to listen to people who have more technical, hands-on experience. The ability to be open minded and adaptable and being prepared to learn all the time is crucial in this kind of environment.

What was your most dangerous or memorable project that you undertook in the military?

I did a seven-month tour of Helmand Province, Afghanistan as a company intelligence officer for the Royal Welsh, an Infantry Regiment. I was based in a small checkpoint just outside Lashkah Gar, and it was my job to gather and collate intelligence and make assessment on the threat we faced.

Don’t worry about becoming an expert in one field or another. The basic engineering principles can be applied to many areas…

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I analysed the movements and patterns of the enemy and tried to understand their intent. I often patrolled on foot with the soldiers to meet local elders to try to gain HUMINT (Human Intelligence). At times it could be a highly stressful environment and we were living in very austere conditions. We partnered with the Afghan National Police, and although they were not used to working with women in military roles, they welcomed me and I ended up forming a great relationship with the Chief of Police for our area.

Do you have any advice for people working in male dominated fields such as engineering or the military?

Unfortunately, the main thing you have to deal with is initial prejudice, I hope that today in the army people are more progressive, they were definitely quite progressive when I was working there, however wherever you work there will always be ‘bad eggs’. I encountered one at the very start of my career who discriminated against me for being young and female.

I wish I had spoken out earlier because people don’t tolerate misogyny and it would have stopped much sooner. However, I was good at my job and let my personality, drive and ambition shine through and most importantly I had my soldiers’ best interests at the heart of what I did. Eventually the ‘bully’ backed off. He later went on to admit his behaviour towards me was his ‘biggest regret’ in a very long career.

How important would you say proficiency in mathematics is in an engineering field?

It is extremely important, especially when you are studying engineering. Everything I did was basically a form of mathematical modelling, even things like material properties or design. However other subjects can provide you with skills that translate over to an engineering job, for example history helped me to write concise reports. Once I was in the Army, I didn’t use maths as much, although I think it helped to shape my way of thinking and my problem-solving skills.

How did you deal with the change of lifestyle after returning from active duty?

Firstly, I caught up on a lot of sleep, as you do not have a day off when on operations. Additionally, you must have patience and tolerance of the people around you, as it can be really difficult to hear people talking about mundane things when you have come back from a

warzone. Finally, it is so important to stay in contact with your military friends so you have people who have gone through similar experiences as you to talk about it with.

Interviewed by Ella Spry (DH Lower Sixth student)

“ [Maths] is extremely important, especially when you are studying engineering. Everything I did was basically a form of mathematical modelling…