From the outset on forming D3A Craig has had a clear goal of what role and function the company needs to undertake. After seeing the frustrations of both the Military and the Military Industry from both sides, he saw an opportunity to bridge the gap. His goal is in ensuring the forward most soldier receives the equipment that is fit for the purpose, and the very best training that prepares them effectively for the task. A major part of him achieving this was to simultaneously create a working environment where fellow veterans have a sense of belonging and a work life balance. The D3A team is a testament to this personal endeavour.

Craig spent 27 years in the British Military, the first 16 years in the Royal Marines and the latter half in the Special Boat Service of UK Special Forces. Attending many career and leadership courses finishing in the top 5% of all that he attended. Always regarded as an exceptional Instructor and Leader by his cohort and more importantly by his team and subordinates.

Craig retired from the UK Special Forces in 2017 after 27 years of decorated service, whilst in service received by the order of the Queen Bravery and Gallantry awards. His judgement, operational knowledge and experience coupled with his instructional ability has been highlighted throughout his service and into the subsequent Military Industry he ventured into.

Craig and his family live in Dorset where they enjoy spending time paddle boarding on the water and walking in the hills. Craig is an avid cyclist, ensuring that his working week always allows for time on the bike, often for charitable causes.

Andrew retired from the UK Royal Artillery after 22 years’ service, an experienced Fire Support Team Commander with 20 years’ experience in Joint Fires. Unique background in the use of Target Mensuration Toolset by NavAir, PSS-SOF, Precision Fires Image (PFI) and Android Precision Assault Strike Suite (APASS) instructor.

He has vast experience in the joint fire’s environment working as a Fire Support Team Commander, Commanding Officers Assistant, Battery Commanders Assistant and Joint Fires Instructor. He qualified as a Qualified Instructor Gunnery, Strike and Integrate course within the Royal School of Artillery and become the UK lead Instructor evaluator in Precision Targeting providing training across UKMOD including UKSF and multinational partners within the five eyes community.

He has Divisional Joint Air Ground Integration Center (JAGIC) experience and has worked at Battlegroup and Company levels assisting in planning processes both in training and on operations. Has a high level of operational experience by deployment on multiple tours as: A Fire Support Team Commander in Afghanistan on two operational tours both armoured and dismounted. Forward Observer in Kosovo two tours. Forward Observer Iraq two tours, Mentor to security forces in Iraq, A Peacekeeper in Cyprus.

During his last role Andrew was the Qualified Instructor Gunnery in the Royal School of Artillery Simulation Cell, accredited Instructor in Virtual Battlespace 3. He was responsible for the delivery of Simulation training across the Royal Artillery, and received tri service attendees from all operations groups. It was here that he excelled and showed flair for realising the benefits of synthetic training delivery methods, quickly taking on roles of lead Instructor and Simulation Programme Manager. The role also included working with industry partners to innovate new ways of training using the most current technology.

Chris Dixon has been part of the D3A team since February 2021. He currently manages the Immersive Close Air Support Simulator (ICASS) at the UK's Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU) in North Yorkshire. Operating and maintaining the simulation system on behalf of the UK's prestigious JTAC schoolhouse, his expert knowledge in joint fires (JF) and extensive technical skills in the management of simulation systems ensure a high level of excellence in service delivery for the customer.

As a proud 20 year veteran of the British Army's Royal Regiment of Artillery, Chris's roles as Battery Commander's Assistant, Fire Support Team Commander then senior enlisted JF Subject Matter Expert at Brigade level saw him serving on operations around the globe. After leaving the Army in 2012, Chris joined BT Openreach as a Field Manager, where he worked for 6 years before moving to the United Arab Emirates to advise and support the Presidential Guard's Joint Fires Wing. In this role he developed and delivered synthetic training scenarios for the national JFO and JTAC programmes before returning to the UK in December 2020.

Chris lives with wife and daughter in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Proud of his Geordie heritage, he has always maintained a domestic base in Newcastle; choosing to keep his family at home while assigned to other locations across the UK and overseas during his military career. In his spare time, he keeps fit by running and playing golf, and enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors with his family.