The Royal Corps of Army Music Trust
The Royal Corps of Army Music Trust
Mick began his military career in 1987, joining the British Army as a musician with the St George’s Band, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (RRF), performing as a French horn player and pianist. In 1992, following the amalgamation of the RRF bands into The Duke of Kent’s Band, he continued to develop his musicianship and leadership. He was later posted to Catterick with the Normandy Band of the Queen’s Division, promoting to Sergeant in 1997.
After a period at Kneller Hall, he was assigned to the Royal Logistic Corps Band and promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1998, followed by promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two (Band Sergeant Major) in 2000. During this time he launched a successful Rock and Pop Function band which was in high demand across the Army and externally. He also launched the first website for a military band, outside of the defence for external audiences.
In 2007, Mick was promoted to Warrant Officer Class One (BSM) and appointed Head of Media at HQ Corps of Army Music (CAMUS). During this time, he developed a deep expertise in digital engagement and content strategy, supporting CAMUS recruitment, the Summer Concert Series, and the Rhythm Forces Rock and Pop concerts. An early adopter of social media he introduced CAMUS to Facebook establishing one of the first Organisation Facebook pages, (CAMUS) before the British Army launched their own. He then help develop the initial policy on management of social media for the British Army.
He deployed on a Short Term Training Team to Africa in 2015 weeks before retirement as as a french horn player, but also with camera to show what could be done to promote the work of Army musicians on the ground overseas.
During his time in military music, Mick has travelled extensively around the world, including Cyprus, Australia, Falklands, Northern Ireland, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Russia, USA, Bosnia, Kosovo, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
Retiring from Regular service in 2015, he transitioned directly into a specialist role within the newly formed 77 Brigade. There, he helped shape the Brigade’s recruitment-focused social media strategy and contributed to the effective use of digital platforms in the operational environment. He deployed to Estonia on Operation CABRIT in 2018, working closely with NATO partners and local government communications and marketing specialists to develop social media content delivery to support influence and engagement of the local communities, and influence how Russia saw our on the ground activities.
Over the last 18 years, Mick has worked extensively with Army Communications Branch and Directorate Defence Communications, contributing to major projects across Defence. He also played a key role in designing and launching the previous iteration of the British Army website and continues to support development of the current site.
He is the Director of Media and Communications for the Brigade of Gurkhas and supports a wide range of military organisations, charities, and museums with online content development and digital strategy consultant. He also manages the RCAM Charity website and works closely with the RCAM Secretary on its future development, including the integration of webpages for the Army Music Association (AMA).
