Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Strong interest in historical wargaming, history and travel.
Timeline
Generic

Kevin John Scott Roach

Ottawa,ON

Summary

Adept at revitalizing operations and spearheading strategic initiatives, I leveraged critical thinking and teamwork to rejuvenate the CAF/DND MSCO and Joint Simulation aligned with wargaming at the Department of National Defence, securing a $2.6M project approval. My leadership in simulation for wargaming and capability planning, coupled with a commitment to excellence, drives impactful results and fosters strong alliances.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of the CAF/DND MSCO

Department Of National Defence
09.2022 - Current
  • Appointed as the Head of the CAF/DND MSCO (Modelling and Simulation Coordination Office).
  • Revitalised the MSCO office after 4 years of being in active.
  • Fought to restaff with the approval and appointment of two public service additions,an Eng 4 and IT 2.
  • Commenced the review and rewrite of the CAF Strategic documents, M&S Strategy and Roadmap.
  • Commence investigation and testing of simulation systems to support the wargaming Section.
  • Investigation into using simulation to support the threat based capability planning process.
  • Wrote and developed the plan, program of work and execution process for the update of the simulation lab architecture include software and hardware. program cost is $2.6M which was approved and has commenced in Apr 2024.
  • Voted in as the NATO MSG BM, MORS Chairman for 2024/25.
  • Made significant changes to the MORS agenda and conduct of the MORS meeting during the NATO MSG BM.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Coordinated Canadian participation under MSG 201 M&S support to the FMN at CWIX as well as joint exercises with foreign military partners to strengthen alliances and improve interoperability.
  • Participation through coordination of Canadian participation and inclusion in the NATO DST activities.
  • Renewed participation to SISO and active in the Wargaming and simulation standard PDG.


Student - MSc Defence Simulation

Department Of National Defence
08.2021 - 09.2022
  • MSc course run by the UK Defence College at Shrivenham through Cranfield University, UK.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environment.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment to develop a Distributed simulation exercise as part of the course cubiculum..
  • Thesis - .SIMULATION TOOLS TO SUPPORT WARGAMING FOR COURSE OF ACTION DEVELOPMENT AND DECISION MAKING.

Wargame Section Lead

Department Of National Defence
07.2018 - 07.2021
  • Stood up and established the Canadian Joint wargaming Section.
  • Attended wargame training through MORS, Arlington VA, USA in 2018.
  • Develop and wrote the operations and guidance documents for conducting wargames in the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • provided wargame support to the Canadian Joint Ops Command on the the management of Forces to support a whole of Government approach with Covid 19.
  • Conducted a wargame for the Maritime Submarine Command which allowed them to identify gaps in their planned operations. Received a letter of commendation from the Maritime Component Commander.
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering professional growth and skill development.
  • Conducted regular staff training sessions to ensure up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
  • membership to the Connections professional wargames community for Canada, USA and UK.
  • Developed a Wargame 101 developers course in 2021 which now runs annually in support of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Operations Officer - OP PROTEUS

Department Of National Defence
07.2017 - 07.2018
  • Responsible for daily operations of the Canadian contingent deployed to Israel.
  • Responsible for the day to day security of Canadian Forces personnel during the deployment.
  • Updated and published standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of the operation including withdrawal and extraction in the event of local conflict. .
  • Provided excellent liaison support to maintain and improve relations, strengthen planning and increase awareness with the Canadian Embassy security Staff.
  • Responsible for the day to day management of the Headquarter Staff as well as the Local Employed Staff from Israel.
  • Coordinated and led meetings to inform Canadian Team members of operational challenges and suggested improvements.
  • Maintained the vehicle fleet and communications equipment to an operational readiness standard.
  • Coordinated and led meetings to inform the command team and Canadian Embassy staff of operational challenges and suggested improvements.

Modelling and Simulation Coord Office Branchhead

Department Of National Defence
07.2013 - 07.2017


  • Appointed as the only military member to the Modelling and Simulation Coordination Office for the DND/CAF (Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces).
  • 2012 - 2013 built the Branch to 5 members, including an additional Major, Captain and 2 contractors. A systems engineer and M&S Engineer.
  • Establish the CAF Synthetic Environment Working group to coordinate, share and develop M&S across the CAF.
  • Developed the primary areas of responsibility based on the Defence Directives and commenced writing the M&S CAF Startegy Document.
  • 2013 -2015. Developed the Joint Simulation Architecture design work. Wrote and finalised the CAF Simulation Strategy and staffed through to the Vice-Chief of the Defence Force for approval and signature.
  • Established and conducted experiments with Australia, UK and US under the FiveEyes (FVEY) The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP)
  • Commenced as the primary support organisation to the CJOC (Canadian Joint Operations Command) annual LVC exercise called JOINTEX. JOINTEX was conducted in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 with the MSCO providing the central Simulation planning lead with the Airforce and Army.
  • Commenced draft of the CAF Simulation Road Map to support the Strategy.
  • Commenced participation with the NATO MSG including membership to several activities including:
  • STOG-L
  • M&S Support to CBRN
  • VV&A
  • Became a member of SISO. Co-wrote Chapter/Part 3 of the Generic Methodology for VV&A.
  • 2016 - Wrote and finalised the CAF Simulation Road Map and staffed through to the Vice-Chief of the Defence Force for approval and signature.
  • 2017 - voted in as the Chairman of the MORS (Military operational Requirements sub committee to the NATO MSG BM.

Concept Development and Experimentation Officer

Department Of National Defence
07.2012 - 07.2013
  • First 12 Months in the CAF. Spent self directed time learning the CAF system and methods through online self directed training courses..
  • Attended the NATO CD&E Course in Riga. Latvia..
  • National Lead for the US lead Exercise Bold Quest. Introduced Canadian SOF elements to support cyber activities and the development of a Virtual CAOC for the RCAF.
  • Understudy and support to the then MSCO Lead.

Long Service Leave

Australian Defence Forces (ADF)
09.2010 - 06.2012
  • Transitioning from Australia to Canada.
  • Long Service Leave from the ADF after 28 Years service.
  • Commenced citizenship/permanent residence administration.
  • Met with the Head of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corp and was offered a position in the CAF. Commenece transition administration from the ADF to the CAF.

Camp Commandant - OP MAZURKA

Australian Defence Force
07.2009 - 09.2010
  • As part of the Australian Contingent, I was the Camp Commandant and was responsible for the facilities, accommodations and amenities in two bases and up to 15 outstations in the Sinai peninsular, Egypt under the Multinational Force and Observer operations.
  • Act as the Australian Contingent Second in Command. Responsible for the management, discipline, movement and security of the Australian Contingent.
  • As the Camp Commandant, Improved base efficiency by streamlining communication processes and implementing new ordering and replacement methods.
  • Introduced a new purchasing process and took control of the positions budget which saw an increased longevity in equipment and saving of approx $160K USD per year. Implemented cost-saving measures to reduce overall budget expenditures while maintaining operational effectiveness.
  • Conducted regular reviews of program implementation for quality assurance purposes, making adjustments as needed to optimize the transition of incoming and outgoing contingent members.
  • Developed contingency plans for renovation and upgrades ensuring swift response times and minimal disruption to operations.
  • Conducted comprehensive evaluations of organizational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes within the camp commandants office.
  • Championed innovative solutions to improve organizational capabilities, enabling greater adaptability in an environment that saw approx 1500 troops transition every 6 months.


Staff Officer Simulation - Land Development

Australian Defence Force
01.2007 - 07.2009
  • As the staff officer simulation at the Land Projects Branch, I was responsible for providing advice to project procurement officers for the acquisition of major capability systems for the Army.
  • Provided guidance to projects through the three key approval stages to ensure that all aspects of M&S were considered and if required included in the acquisition process to support training.
  • Wrote the Desk Officer Guide Document for Project Managers to use that would guide them through the different stages of the acquisition process and the M&S considerations, inclusions and risks. The Guide Document remains in use.
  • Instrumental in ensuring that the correct simulation systems to support training were acquired for the following platforms:
  • Replacement utility vehicle fleet.
  • Land 104 Tank replacement program.
  • Project Redfin - Special Operations Light strike Vehicle.
  • Land 118 - GBAD system
  • Coordinated meetings between vendors/suppliers and project managers to discuss and identify M&S capabilities.
  • Assited the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in conducting experiments to assess the Human Factors requirements for armoured turrets using simulation.


Student - Graduate Diploma in M&S

Australian Defence Forces
01.2006 - 12.2006
  • Masters course conducted by the Royal Melbourne Instistute of Technology.
  • Masters coures that was cut short due to the posting to fill a vacancy at Land Capability Branch.
  • Completed a GardDip in M&S and Graduated.
  • Course subjects:
  • 3D animation
  • C++ language
  • Networking and Data management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Project management
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Staff Officer Simulation - Land

Australian Defence Force
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • posted to a technical staff officer position as a simulationist for the first time.
  • Responsible for providing M&S advice to the exercise planning staff for large scale LVC exercises.
  • Conducted the Australian exercise design component for the Constructive sim component of Ex Talisman Sabre, a Joint USPACOM/Australian exercise conducted every two years.
  • Participated as the key land planning officer for Ex Talisman Sabre in 2003 and 2005.
  • Appointed as the exercise area coordinator during Ex Talisman Sabre 2005.
  • Developed and tested the behavior models for the Land component of the JSAF (Joint Semi Automated Force) constructive Sim.
  • help write the Land component of the user guide for JSAF in use in the ADF.
  • Delivered high-quality presentations to senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and proposed solutions, ensuring future sim support was designed to support exercises at the Joint and coalition level.

Armoured Offcer

Australian Defence Force
01.2001 - 12.2002
  • Served as an Officer in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps from Dec 1989 to Jan 2003.
  • Regiment Second in Command of the 2nd Cavalry regiment 2000 - 2002
  • Adjutant and Quartermaster of 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse regiment 1998 - 2000.
  • Headquarters Squadron Second in Command, School of Armour 1996 - 1997.
  • Second in Command, C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry regiment, 1995 -1996.
  • Assistant-Adjutant, 2/14 Light Horse regiment, 1993 -1995
  • Tank Troop Leader, B Squadron, 1st Armoured regiment 1991-1992.
  • Officer under training, School of Armour, 1990
  • Royal Military College Cadet, 1988-1989
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.

Pre - Military

Queensland Railways/NAPCO
12.1984 - 07.1988
  • After leaving High School. Took up employment as a cattleman. Mustering, branding and herding cattle in Northern Australia from Jan 1984 to Dec 1985.
  • In Jan 1986 moved to the city of Rockhampton and took up a position as a Fettler (labourer) for Queensland Railways.
  • In February 1985, Joined the Australian Army Reserve as an infantry Private..
  • From February 1995 to Jul 1988, was promoted several times to the rank of Cpl acting Sergeant prior to joining the Regular Army and being accepted as an Officer cadet to the Royal military College.

Education

Master of Science - Defence Simulation

Cranfield University
Shrivenham UK
07.2022

Certficate - Alternate Analysis

NATO School
Oberammergau
10.2018

Certificate - Concept Development And Experimentation

NATO School
Oberammergau
04.2014

Graduate Diploma - Modelling And Simulation

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Melbourne Australia
12.2006

Skills

  • Friendly, Positive Attitude
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Service
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Critical Thinking
  • Computer Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Problem Resolution
  • Verbal Communication

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Strong interest in historical wargaming, history and travel.

I commenced tabletop and board wargaming in 1995.  I am an avid reader of history and develop and play tabletop wargames to support this interest.  I like to travel and visit new parts of the world, experience their culture and experience the elements of their history that remain.

Timeline

Head of the CAF/DND MSCO

Department Of National Defence
09.2022 - Current

Student - MSc Defence Simulation

Department Of National Defence
08.2021 - 09.2022

Wargame Section Lead

Department Of National Defence
07.2018 - 07.2021

Operations Officer - OP PROTEUS

Department Of National Defence
07.2017 - 07.2018

Modelling and Simulation Coord Office Branchhead

Department Of National Defence
07.2013 - 07.2017

Concept Development and Experimentation Officer

Department Of National Defence
07.2012 - 07.2013

Long Service Leave

Australian Defence Forces (ADF)
09.2010 - 06.2012

Camp Commandant - OP MAZURKA

Australian Defence Force
07.2009 - 09.2010

Staff Officer Simulation - Land Development

Australian Defence Force
01.2007 - 07.2009

Student - Graduate Diploma in M&S

Australian Defence Forces
01.2006 - 12.2006

Staff Officer Simulation - Land

Australian Defence Force
01.2003 - 01.2006

Armoured Offcer

Australian Defence Force
01.2001 - 12.2002

Pre - Military

Queensland Railways/NAPCO
12.1984 - 07.1988

Master of Science - Defence Simulation

Cranfield University

Certficate - Alternate Analysis

NATO School

Certificate - Concept Development And Experimentation

NATO School

Graduate Diploma - Modelling And Simulation

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Kevin John Scott Roach