Major Stephen Johnson

Second in Command, Engineering & Logistics Wing. British Forces South Atlantic Islands

Stephen Johnson joined the Army at 16 and has served for over 32 years. He volunteered as an Ambulance First Responder before deploying to Iraq. In 2009, as a RSM he deployed his unit to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. As the GSM of Kandahar Airfield, he was responsible for Operation PABBAY, repatriating those killed on operations. He ensured that our Fallen were treated with the dignity they deserved, also attending and supporting other Nations.

Commissioned in 2012, he became the Royal Logistic Corps Sergeant Major, the Senior Soldier of the Corps, responsible as the soldier’s voice.

Witnessing service people in crises, including unresolved childhood trauma and self-harm, he self-funded attendance on a MSc module learning skills which allowed him to treat his soldiers with empathy and compassion, leading to several saved lives.

He designed leadership training as a favour to an old boss. He gained civilian accreditation, delivered the pilot courses, trained the instructors, and continues to do this, five years on, completely in his own time.

He is now completing a PhD, designing a leader mediated mental health intervention. After speaking at an academic conference, his research is also gaining traction outside the military, in the NHS and ambulance service.