Wesley Calder

Experience

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  British Army

  Aug 2003 - Aug 2015

  Acting Senior NCO (Sergeant), embedded within operational infantry brigade throughout combat operations during 2 tours of Afghanistan, deployed to support media operations in hostile, austere and dangerous locations and worked at Defence Media Operations Centre as part of the Combat Camera Team, providing stills and videos of combat operations to national press and TV news agencies.• Took active part in multiple combat and ground-dominating operations with the Brigade Reconnaissance Force and Infantry Brigade.• Hosted and escorted journalists in-country from BBC, The Telegraph, Sky News, engaged professionally and politely, built camaraderie and maintained professional relationships.• Managed travel logistics, analysed and planned safe routes for journalists.• Attended Ops briefings and drills and worked in accordance with SOPs and threat level.• Provided combat assistance to Commanders to support operations as instructed.• Briefed journalists and team prior to operations to ensure they were fully informed and equipped.• Delivered media training to senior military ranks and Members of Parliament. Show less Led and managed a team of 25 communications technicians within fast-paced Command Centre and provided full communications support for aircraft in demanding and high-pressure environments in the UK and during operations in Afghanistan.• Operated and maintained voice and data wireless communications platforms including HF, VHF, UHF radios and satellite communications.• Prepared equipment ready for task, checked stowed safety and loaded onto correct vehicles.• Accounted for and maintained firearms, ensured security and handled safely.• Tracked assets and managed planned and unplanned maintenance schedule for all IT and communications equipment to minimise downtime.• Identified, analysed and resolved problems with computer hardware, telecommunications and software. Show less

  • UKSF Surveillance Photography Instructor

    Aug 2013 - Aug 2015

  • Combat Photographer

    Jan 2009 - Aug 2013

  • Communication Specialist

    Aug 2003 - Aug 2009
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  Control Risks

  Jan 2016 - Nov 2018

  2IC of 7-man multinational PSD Team; planned and executed daily missions to ensure the protection and safe transit of 100+ ExxonMobil personnel across a number of sites in the West Qurna oilfields, Southern Iraq, as well as to and from Basra International Airport and Basra City.• Supported the Team Leader in command, control and supervision of the PSD; delegated tasks and assisted TL in day-to-day planning, coordination, administration and training• Identified and resolved conflicts within the PSD; escalated to TL where appropriate• Coached, mentored, motivated and supervised team members to take accountability for assignments• Oversaw and conducted training to ensure duties conducted safely in line with Host Nation rules and regulations, SOPs, Company policies and procedures and contractual terms and conditions• Achieved 100% score for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) • Managed communications with Operations Room throughout missions• Worked closely with clients, built trusted relationships and identified their security needs • Delivered briefings to management, PSD Teams and clients during planning and execution of missions Show less

  • Team Leader - Close Protection Officer

    Nov 2016 - Nov 2018

  • 2IC - Close Protection Officer

    Jan 2016 - Nov 2016
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  Kuvacash

  Aug 2018 - Nov 2021

  Operations & Security Manager

  Responsible for the smooth operations and daily running of Kuvacash. Produced the SOP’s and HSE infrastructure in addition to the implementation and adherence to financial budgets. Engaged with high level government officials frequently to ensure compliance with relevant national regulations.• Security, risk, operations and compliance management • Training of subordinates or contractors as necessary• Site security and site planning• Hostile Environment Close Protection• Drafting SOPs and Security Plans • Risk Assessment & Evaluation Show less

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  St Christopher's Church - Food Bank - Community Outreach

  Jan 2022 - Mar 2022

  Volunteer

  I volunteer my time to assist those in need within my community.

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  Smart Crypto Investors Ltd

  Mar 2022 - May 2022

  Director Of Operations

  Details to follow.