SO2 Military Advisor, Afghanistan Inquiry Response Unit

This is a unique opportunity for you to experience responding to a statutory inquiry which could have profound implications for Defence in terms of public trust and operational effectiveness. You will play a crucial role in Defences understanding of the evidence base learning lessons and driving change. You will have the opportunity to brief 2* and 3* audiences senior counsel (KCs) and ministers.

Subject to formal establishment Joint Boarding process and sS Policies a vacancy will arise for an OF-3 to serve asMilitary Advisor Afghanistan Inquiry Response Team at MOD Main Building London on Full Time Reserve Service Home Commitment (FTRS HC) Terms and Conditions of Service (TaCoS) with an initial proposed start date of 01 February 2026.

Unit Function:

The Afghanistan Inquiry Response Unit (AIRU) isestablishedwithin the DefenceSecurity Policy area of the Department of State to support the Independent Statutory Inquiry chaired by Lord Justice Sir Charlie Haddon-Cave into allegations of unlawful activity by UK Special Forces during deliberate detention operations. It will also consider whether the Royal Military Police (RMP) investigations into alleged unlawful conduct were effective and the adequacy of the MODs response. Working alongside legal experts and other stakeholders within Defence AIRUis responsible fora wide range of tasks including redaction disclosure and delivery against a high volume of requests for information from the also provides advice to the senior Defence leadership on Inquiry matters and tailored support to persons called to provide evidence.

Responsibilities:

• Identification ofthe themes and issues the Inquirys conclusions may raisethroughdetailedanalysis of evidencereceived from and provided to the Inquiry.
• Evaluation of changes Defence has made in relevant areas of policy procedurepracticeor trainingwith a view to advising on whether further changes need to bemade orpreparing proactive evidence to the Inquiry to show how will involve engaging relevant stakeholders across MOD Head Office the Single Services and Special Forces.
• Support the MODs planning and preparation for the MODs response to the Inquirys final report. This mayinclude:generating scenarios and planning assumptions;andco-ordinating teams across Defence to consider policy choicesin light oflikely recommendations.
• Support advice and briefings to senior military and political leaders up to and including the Chief of the General Staff and the Secretary of State.
• Coordinate with the Afghanistan Inquiry Response Teams of both Army and Special Forces in the development of strategy and policy positions.