Darren Larham

Military Distinction Award.

Darren Larham Warrant Officer Defence Courier service 'presided over the most frenetic period DCS has seen.' Captain Shaw, acting commanding officer of the defence courier service nomination. Citation read by Colonel Tom Blackmore BFPO RLC

WO2 Larham has been an inspiration to his team bringing dynamism and improvements to the department. He is a strong leader with a tireless work ethic. His contribution to Defence Courier has been to the benefit of the wider Defence Community and his efforts have seen the Defence Courier Service well placed to endure current and future demands.

His role includes coordinating the secure, discreet and efficient movement of Top Secret, Cryptographic and Security Services material worldwide for the Tri-Services, Defence Industry and Other Government Departments. This operation has covered in excess of 50 countries this year many of which incur special security requirements. He is also the Subject Matter Expert for defence on courier issues and has been heavily involved in the production of Technical Operating Instructions and Defence Courier policy.

WO2 Larham came to DCS after a successful two year tour of duty at the British Embassy in Washington where he coordinated the movement of couriers inter and intra the U.S. There he honed not only his skills and understanding of the business but also developed and refined processes to improve and streamline service. Since his arrival at DCS the department has seen a 75% increase in the number of out of scope tasking meaning WO2 Larham has presided over the most frenetic period DCS has seen.

Faced with ever shifting sands and covering a number of gapped posts, WO2 Larham has planned, forecasted and managed the schedules of 30 Defence Couriers. WO2 Larham has an individual brand of innovation which has seen him refine many processes in particular visa acquisition, reducing lead times and enabling us to reach countries previously unavailable including West African and Middle Eastern countries. He has also brought in intelligent methods to improve the tracking, planning and monitoring of tasks; vastly increasing the department's capacity whilst ensuring the zero error mandate is met. He conducted a route review to ensure the most efficient method of distribution saving Defence countless funds in man hours and travel costs but not stopping there he has negotiated a deal with the Service Police to place all DCS vehicles on the Police National Computer to increase security and provide improved emergency support. In the drawdown planning of British Forces Germany he has been instrumental in ensuring that the Courier link to Europe based forces endures through a period of ever moving resources and requirements. Amongst all of this he has found time to foster projects such as improving working relationships with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, further opening more doors for DCS, leading on renegotiation of contracts with commercial airlines and updating DCS Policy and documentation.

In a department that has been gapping two key management roles WO2 Larham has had to cover much of the work of his two up supervisor whilst maintaining his own work and as if that hasn't been enough commitment he has chosen to attend work despite being signed off for a broken leg. WO2 Larham has been an inspiration to his team bringing dynamism and improvements to the department. He is a strong leader with a tireless work ethic. His contribution to Defence Courier has been to the benefit of the wider Defence Community and his efforts have seen the Defence Courier Service well placed to endure current and future demands.