Almost Retired Soldier sometime Scholar. Co-authoring ‘The Steps to Glory’ a history of commissioning into the British Army from 1660-2025. All views my own
Joined February 2014
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Pinned Tweet
5 Nov 2025
helion.co.uk/military-histor…
You can now register interest in Vol 1 of our longitudinal study into officer commissioning in Britain's Land Forces.
If you hold, or have held, a commission, or have taught OCdts and would like to support our research for Vol 2 please comment below.
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 12
Honestly, the most annoying thing about being human right now is knowing we already have the intelligence and resources to end world hunger, fight climate change, and cure cancer BUT greed and billionaires keep millions suffering instead.
The wasted human potential is heartbreaking.
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There’s 2 types of people… those that look at someone else’s success & says amazing, if they can do it, with enough hard work & a bit of luck I too can be successful OR those that look at others success & want to punish or remove it.
We either aim upwards or pull down to the lowest denominator.
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Come and join myself and @HappyHead74 in the magnificent Indian Army Memorial Room, Sandhurst on 22 July to hear the fascinating story of how the British Army attracted, selected, and trained its new officers from 1660 to the eve of the First World War
SAHR member @ShephardSimon has asked us to spread the word about the launch event for his forthcoming book, co-authored with Victoria Carr. Details at eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-steps…
You can also hear them talk about their research in one of our online talks youtube.com/watch?v=6jl-Nt5X…
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
SAHR member @ShephardSimon has asked us to spread the word about the launch event for his forthcoming book, co-authored with Victoria Carr. Details at eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-steps…
You can also hear them talk about their research in one of our online talks youtube.com/watch?v=6jl-Nt5X…
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 12
Come on @DanJarvisMBE, do the decent thing…
Jun 11
We owe those who serve the UK the kit to do the job and the loyalty to stand by them when it's done. We are failing on both.
I’ve spent my whole time in government making that case. Number 10 will not listen, so I am resigning as Minister for the Armed Forces.
Letter to the PM below.🫡🫡🫡⬇️⬇️
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
Good to see that the principle of falling in one’s sword is alive and well, even in the cesspit of politics
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
The twerps and the spinners in no.10 cant help it. Almost immediately they are out claiming “the biggest increase since the cold war” and “we are spending 2.6% of GDP on defence in 2027”. Those two “lines to take” are the problem. Dishonest and misleading in order to avoid the reality of spending real funds to keep us safe.
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
What is remarkable about this letter its exposure of such sensitive government deliberations: that MoD’s financial settlement was only disclosed to him on Monday; the shocking degree to which the Treasury was trying to slow walk the increase required by NATO targets; and Starmer’s failure to match political froth about defence with meaningful spend
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
This is an outrageous, disgraceful smear on John Healey — and an outright lie. There are a ton of ways to finance more for defence — starting with net zero — without taking a penny from schools or hospitals. Reeves should be ashamed of herself for allowing this nonsense. Suggests she’s really desperate.
Jun 11
🚨 NEW: A Treasury source attacks John Healey for resigning as Defence Secretary
"Let's be clear on what John is asking for: cuts to schools and hospitals"
h/t @e_casalicchio
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
🎉 Three Years of Women Empowering Defence 🎉
Today, we celebrate three years of Women Empowering Defence CIC.
What began as a simple idea to create a space where people across the Defence Enterprise could connect, collaborate and learn from one another has grown into a thriving community of individuals and organisations committed to making a positive difference across our sector.
Over the past three years, we have welcomed thousands of attendees to our events, amplified countless voices through our platforms, facilitated new partnerships and conversations, and created opportunities for people at every stage of their career to engage, contribute and be inspired.
We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved, but even more excited about what lies ahead.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our community. To our speakers, ambassadors, partners, volunteers, attendees and supporters, a huge thank you. Your passion, commitment and willingness to share your experiences continue to shape WED and strengthen the Defence Enterprise.
As we look to the future, our mission remains the same: to bring people, organisations and ideas together to drive meaningful impact through leadership, collaboration, talent development and social value.
Here's to the next chapter and to continuing to build the future Defence Enterprise together.
Happy 3rd Birthday, WED. 💜
#WomenEmpoweringDefence #WED #DefenceEnterprise #Leadership #Collaboration #SocialValue #Community #ThreeYearsOfWED #TimeToLetItGo
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
We have grown used to saying that ministers never resign on a point of principle anymore. But that’s what John Healey has done, and I admire him for it
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Have you ever reported to the armoury at 0300 for the 0800 transport?
If yes, then you might be entitled to a big glass of dry your eyes princess………
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
Extraordinarily - and this seems to demonstrate a complete disregard of the seriousness of defence at the heart of government - John Healey was only told what the offer was for additional defence funding on Monday afternoon.
I am told Number 10 then tried to rush and publish the Defence Investment Plan on Thursday.
Then a handbrake was applied by Mr Healey and his military chiefs. The (now ex) defence secretary made clear that racing to release the blueprint without a settlement that had been accepted by him and his team would be a risk for defence and for its soldiers, sailors and aviators.
You can only imagine the tone of the exchange that must have taken place - and I know that people were in the MOD until very late last night.
But John Healey firmly believes the settlement was inadequate and, if left unchallenged, would not enable the UK to keep the country safe or meet its international commitments - such as help defend Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
A key detail is that Mr Healey believes defence spending must be increased to 3% of GDP by 2030, up from 2.3% now. This would guarantee tens of billions of additional pounds for defence.
But - despite the stakes and the position of the defence secretary - the Prime Minister and Chancellor agreed just to inch it up to 2.68% of GDP within that time frame, after hitting a new target of 2.6% next year (which is already being inflated by lumping in the 0.1% that is spent on the intelligence agencies).
Utterly incredible.
What must our allies and our adversaries be thinking, let alone everyone in the UK armed forces and, frankly, everyone in our country?
We all rely on a secure UK to live, work, go to school, enjoy holidays, access healthcare, spend time with friends and families.
This is not a divine right. It happens because we have security - something that might not be apparent until or unless it is compromised...
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
Head firmly stuck in the sand
Caroline Lucas: "We need to recognise that what happened on the streets of Belfast was being orchestrated by the far right, by Elon Musk, by a network of people who actually want this to happen, so it wasn't quite as spontaneous as it looked.. and that has to be stopped"
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Why are so many MPs more interested in the feelings of men who think they are something they are not, over the feelings of women who are actual females? We must work on making male spaces safer for all, not sacrificing female hard won spaces.
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 11
Clear that Healey used his time since Monday to see the Amed Forces pay award was approved. I'm sure he would have resigned on Monday otherwise.
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Jun 11
Noise
Jun 11
🚨 BREAKING: Keir Starmer responds to John Healey's resignation as Defence Secretary
"I am proud of our record on funding"
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 8
Wonderful eulogy to Sir Alex Younger by Mike Pompeo. Worth a read,
Jun 8
Within hours of being announced as the nominee to be the U.S. Director of the CIA, I received a hand-delivered message on MI6 stationery congratulating me on my nomination. It was signed simply "C" in green ink. Legendary. I shared it with my son and even he thought I was now cool!
More than that, this note, from Sir Alex Younger, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, confirmed what I already believed: the work that the CIA and MI6 did together mattered, that the partnership was critical, and that two leaders focused on the mission could save lives and provide tools for our nations to deter our adversaries.
Alex's passing this week brought back so many memories of our time in service together. He flew to Langley to see me the day I was confirmed. We brought our two senior teams together in the UK to plan and coordinate and build in the first several weeks of my time on duty: making clear to them all that this relationship was more than special - it was critical for the security of our two countries.
Alex was a remarkable intelligence partner. When we needed help, it wasn't "let me see;" it was "this matters to you and America we'll get it done." And he and his team always did. I think he knew we would do the same for him and his team and his nation. Many Americans are alive today because of his leadership of MI6, I never knew how to thank him enough.
Alex became a friend as well. In the years since we both left office we would see each other from time to time. He was always so kind, so thoughtful, so smart. His deep love of his country was surpassed only by his deep commitment and love of his family. Decent and proper - and funny as hell - Alex was "C." As espionage requires, he was quiet, not attention seeking. He knew what evil was and he was ruthless in his efforts to crush it with every legal tool at his command. And he knew who his friends were and committed himself to supporting them.
I miss Sir Alex Younger. He was a role model for me and a man with whom every minute I spent was valued and savored. Blessings to you Alex. Praying for you and for your family. Well done and may you rest in peace in His hands.
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Simon James Shephard retweeted
Jun 8
Within hours of being announced as the nominee to be the U.S. Director of the CIA, I received a hand-delivered message on MI6 stationery congratulating me on my nomination. It was signed simply "C" in green ink. Legendary. I shared it with my son and even he thought I was now cool!
More than that, this note, from Sir Alex Younger, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, confirmed what I already believed: the work that the CIA and MI6 did together mattered, that the partnership was critical, and that two leaders focused on the mission could save lives and provide tools for our nations to deter our adversaries.
Alex's passing this week brought back so many memories of our time in service together. He flew to Langley to see me the day I was confirmed. We brought our two senior teams together in the UK to plan and coordinate and build in the first several weeks of my time on duty: making clear to them all that this relationship was more than special - it was critical for the security of our two countries.
Alex was a remarkable intelligence partner. When we needed help, it wasn't "let me see;" it was "this matters to you and America we'll get it done." And he and his team always did. I think he knew we would do the same for him and his team and his nation. Many Americans are alive today because of his leadership of MI6, I never knew how to thank him enough.
Alex became a friend as well. In the years since we both left office we would see each other from time to time. He was always so kind, so thoughtful, so smart. His deep love of his country was surpassed only by his deep commitment and love of his family. Decent and proper - and funny as hell - Alex was "C." As espionage requires, he was quiet, not attention seeking. He knew what evil was and he was ruthless in his efforts to crush it with every legal tool at his command. And he knew who his friends were and committed himself to supporting them.
I miss Sir Alex Younger. He was a role model for me and a man with whom every minute I spent was valued and savored. Blessings to you Alex. Praying for you and for your family. Well done and may you rest in peace in His hands.
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