How do you make digital transformation happen faster?
That’s what we asked Morgan (Mogsy) Long, Programme Manager and Talent Lead at the Defence Digital Foundry – a government initiative designed to accelerate digital transformation across the armed forces.
While we often look at how regulated businesses reach customers, here, we explore how the armed forces engage with recruits, service personnel, veterans, and family members.
We also discover how Morgan's team balances security and compliance to drive change at pace in the technology supporting the armed forces across multiple problem sets.
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Morgan explains that the Defence Digital Foundry (DDF) acts as a hub for rapid software development, reusable platform delivery, emerging technology adoption, and user-centric solutions.
Although Defence Digital covers many areas – from satellite systems to issuing headsets – the DDF’s job is to cut through red tape so new ideas can be tested, refined, and deployed quickly, alongside development of the backbone platforms that enable reuse and standardisation into the future.
“We focus on delivering secure, modern tools at pace. This includes user research, agile sprints, and a strong DevSecOps model.”
This structure uses a team-of-teams approach, bringing in the right people when needed – whether they are AI engineers, data analysts, or user experience designers.
Defence is no stranger to bureaucracy and process constraints – much like banking, legal services, or insurance.
Morgan sees parallels with other highly regulated sectors:
The DDF has found ways to work faster while still aligning with regulations.
Key to this is empowerment – giving teams the ability to make decisions day by day, along with close collaboration with security and compliance experts to keep things on track.
Morgan references the Haythornthwaite Review to highlight how the armed forces must modernise processes and support personnel needs more flexibly.
A major point from Morgan’s experience is the importance of trust in building effective teams.
This is especially vital in the military, where hierarchy can create a “HIPPO” culture (highest-paid person’s opinion).
However, the Foundry encourages open dialogue and user-centred design.
“If you don’t understand the real people using the software – whether they’re recruits, medics in training, or staff handling administration – you risk building the wrong solution.”
By focusing on discovery phases, prototypes, and rapid feedback, the DDF keeps the user at the heart of development.
Morgan also notes the Defence Command Paper for 2023, which emphasises the government’s focus on advanced technology to support operational effectiveness.
Under the MyDefence programme, the goal is a single, consumer-grade experience that spans a career in the Ministry of Defence – from the day someone applies until the day they retire.
“If you install an app to learn about joining, why not keep using the same interface for pay, career moves, ordering uniform, booking accommodation or even gaining family support?” Morgan asks.
“You shouldn’t have to switch systems or start afresh with new logins every time you move departments or change roles.”
Though it takes time to achieve, Morgan sees progress as multiple branches of the armed forces adopt consistent design systems and shared data platforms.
Even if you’re not rolling out uniform solutions for thousands of personnel, there are takeaways that resonate across all regulated industries:
As technology advances, Morgan points to opportunities with AI-driven analytics and automation.
Defence has been cautious with generative AI, but the AI regulation approach in 2023 underlines the push to adopt these tools responsibly.
New pilot programmes show promise:
While culture change and data security remain challenges, Morgan believes that the right leadership and growing trust in emerging technologies will speed up adoption – both in the armed forces and beyond.
It uses a team-of-teams model that brings the right experts together quickly.
This approach cuts through red tape to deploy and test new tech in weeks, rather than months.
If you don’t understand end-user needs, you risk creating a product or service that won’t be adopted.
User feedback also helps you refine and improve solutions rapidly.
AI offers data-driven insights and automation that can free up personnel for more complex tasks.
It’s especially relevant for analytics, logistics, and predictive maintenance.
Yes. Banking, legal, or insurance sectors face similar compliance hurdles.
Adopting agile methods, building strong security layers, and focusing on real user needs can boost outcomes.
Haythornthwaite Review, UK Government, 2023
Defence Command Paper, Ministry of Defence, 2023
A Pro-Innovation Approach to AI Regulation, UK Government, 2023
Digital Strategy for Defence, Delivering the Digital Backbone And
Unleashing the Power of Defence’s Data, 2021
MyDefence Rewind 2024: A Year in Review, 2024
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