Signaller Shaun Acar of 233 Global Communications Network (GCN) Signal Squadron,13 Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, based at Ministry of Defence (MOD) Corsham in Wiltshire has been awarded the coveted Churchill Medal Award for ‘Engineering Excellence.’
The accolade, given annually, recognises the outstanding engineering and innovation of individuals or small teams within the Armed Forces and MOD.
The work behind the award
Signaller Acar explains his award-winning idea:
“PRTG (Paessier Router Traffic Grapher) is an application mainly used for monitoring devices withing a network. It enables users to see all their routers and servers and shows whether they are working properly. It also shows how much data is being used and where it is coming from, using IP addresses.
“The tool I made, creating over 1000 lines of code, automated the way you create maps on the PRTG application. Prior to my work, it would take up to two weeks to conduct this process but can now be completed within 20 minutes. The application also lowers the risk of human error, and a simpler operating procedure means it is more user friendly.”
Signaller Acar’s work replaces a slow, manual process with a fast, reliable tool that can be used wherever the Army runs and monitors its communications.
A legacy of engineering excellence
Signaller Acar now finds himself in good company. Past recipients of the award include some of Britain's most celebrated engineering pioneers, among them Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine, aviation pioneer Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, radio astronomy founder Sir Bernard Lovell, and hovercraft inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell.
New process aims to make a big difference
Major Neil Donaghy MBE, Officer Commanding 233 (GCN) Signal Squadron, 13 Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, explains the importance of the work Signaller Acar has carried out:
“Signaller Acar’s work replaces a slow, manual process with a fast, reliable tool that can be used wherever the Army runs and monitors its communications. That means we can set up and support networks quicker, with fewer mistakes, on exercises and operations.”
Adds Major Donaghy:
“Signaller Acar’s win reflects the quality of our people: disciplined, innovative engineers who deliver real advantage under operational constraints. His work demonstrates what modern Royal Signals engineering is all about: delivering measurable improvement, at pace, in direct support of operations.”
Hopefully, this is the start of an amazing future of developing new systems and improvements to make the Armed Forces stand out on a whole new level
What the winner said
Signaller Acar received his award at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place in London, presented to him by Rear Admiral Steven McCarthy CB.
Speaking after the ceremony, Shaun said:
“I feel honoured to have received such an amazing award, all the hard work has paid off.
Hopefully, this is the start of an amazing future of developing new systems and improvements to make the Armed Forces stand out on a whole new level.”
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