Andy Burles
Defence Evaluation
& Research Agency
I graduated in 1993 from the University of Exeter with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Statistics and Operational Research. Immediately, I moved into the Air Studies Department of what has become the Centre for Defence Analysis within DERA. CDA is the "custodian" of Operational Research within the Ministry of Defence.
My early work centred on the analysis of possible upgrade paths for battlefield helicopters, and I have chosen to build on these experiences and progress to similar work for fighter aircraft. The complexity of the problem, borne out of the uncertainty surrounding threat systems in a timeframe 20 years from now and the variety of possible capability enhancements, provides a daily intellectual challenge. Working with technical specialists within DERA and in UK industry, my responsibilities include specifying and managing man-in-the-loop simulator trials, employing a range of analysis methods to establish key conclusions and identify underlying trends, and recommending courses of action to the military operational requirements staff in MoD.
Wider opportunities have included supporting international research programmes, monitoring an international military air exercise, and directing an MSc project. My conclusion? A career in Operational Research is a lot more than what they teach you!
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