Paul Rimmer

Biography

Paul is Honorary Air Commodore of 7010(VR) Int Sqn RAF and recently completed a 10-year tenure as Hon Col of 3 Military Intelligence Battalion of the Intelligence Corps.

A former Senior Civil Servant in the Ministry of Defence and Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence until May 2020, Paul brings 37 years’ experience of operating at the heart of the UK’s national security business.

An experienced intelligence analyst and Head of Profession for intelligence analysts in Defence, he has also been a customer for intelligence in jobs ranging from Principal Private Secretary to two Defence Secretaries to being the senior civilian at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Northwood, responsible for providing the headquarters and operational military commanders with policy, legal, media and financial advice for military operations and contingency planning.

He was a member of the Joint Intelligence Committee for nearly 13 years.

In Defence, in the Cabinet Office (as Chief of the Assessments Staff), and elsewhere in Government he has briefed at meetings of the UK’s National Security Council, Cabinet and the Government’s crisis management committee, COBR, delivering strategic intelligence assessments to inform and advise the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and senior military and civilian personnel.

He has a degree in International Relations at Keele University and has attended the Joint Service Defence College.

Other educational landmarks in Defence include: the Defence Strategic Leadership Programme, Defence Pinnacle Course (for senior officers), at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham; Developing Strategic Leaders (Windsor Leadership Trust).

He also sponsored, and attended, the Defence Intelligence Analysis Module (the training course for all-source intelligence analysts).

Research interests

The evolution and role of Defence Intelligence
Intelligence assessment in support of policy formulation and military operations
The use of analytical techniques in support of intelligence assessment

Media

A Visit to Ukrainian Troops Training in the UK Under OP INTERFLEX

The word 'privileged' is often used carelessly, but I was recently genuinely privileged to be able to visit Ukrainian troops being trained in south west England under OP INTERFLEX. To date, 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained through INTERFLEX since it began in June 2022. It was impressive to see the thought that has gone into refining and delivering training as effectively and efficiently as possible and with enthusiasm from the UK trainers, ranging from basic infantry training to Ukrainian recruits, to commander/leadership training and instructor training to Ukrainian soldiers. Equally impressive was the enthusiasm and commitment of the Ukrainians, whether new recruits or those who have been in the fight since 2014. And the UK is not doing this alone, as twelve partner nations support the delivery of this training in the UK (training that the Defence Secretary has confirmed will continue to at least the end of 2025.) Although events in the conflict are sobering and the Ukrainians are outnumbered in the field, it was clear that, soldier for soldier, the training they are receiving gives them an undoubted edge and a boost to their clear determination to fight for their country. I certainly came away with pride in the UK's contribution..

With the Joint Expeditionary Force in Latvia

Having been involved with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) virtually from its foundation in 2014, I've enjoyed continuing the link in my 'retirement', supporting its major exercises as an Associate with MASS. The company helps to deliver the exercise and it's a privilege to be able to pass on some of my experience as part of a professional team that is welcoming and supportive. This year, the JEF exercise, Joint Protector 24, was held in Liepaja, Latvia. As the JEF's own press release described it, the exercise aimed to test "the JEF’s ability to act early and respond quickly ahead of a crisis, using a near-real scenario which sees the HQ planning, organising, and delivering several concurrent JEF Response Options (JROs); activities that the JEF can deliver as a means to support NATO’s warfighting capabilities or de-escalate a situation before conflict breaks out."