Speakers

Embarking on his military journey in 2006, Squadron Leader Palfrey initially served as an RAF Regiment Gunner. His diverse career trajectory spans serving in prestigious squadrons such as 63 KCS, 26, 58, and II, where he excelled as a Mortar Fire Controller on Op HERRICK alongside Royal Marines Commandos in the heart of Helmand; later specialising as a CBRN Operator under NATO's direct command.

Committed to personal and professional growth, Sqn Ldr Palfrey earned his BSc(Hons) in Software Engineering while actively serving in the RAF Regiment. In 2016, his career took a pivotal turn as he transitioned into HR Operations upon commissioning from the ranks. His initial role as a Media Communications Officer marked the beginning of his HR journey, eventually leading him to command the Aviators Command Squadron amidst the challenges of the CV-19. His operational acumen was further highlighted during his deployment on Op KIPION to the Middle East in 2018, overseeing J1 assurance for joint operations, while pursuing an MSc in Software Engineering with a focus on AI's potential in defence.

2021 was a significant milestone for Sqn Ldr Palfrey as he spearheaded the creation of Appivate at RAF Marham, embracing the cyberspace profession and transforming a nascent startup into a robust Military Software Factory with over 100 personnel. It was here in his role as Officer Commanding and Head of Software Engineering, the factory has launched over ten digital capabilities, significantly enhancing HR processes and operational efficiencies, including the execution of A400m air drop. His collaborative nature has also seen him work with international Software Factories from RAAF, CRAF and USAF for wider defence benefit.
In 2024, Sqn Ldr Palfrey embarked on a journey with the University of York, pursuing a Ph.D. focused on GenAI's transformative impact on military decision-making processes related to lethality, alongside his ongoing commitment to advancing military software capabilities.

Soundbite “From bullets to binary, I’m excited and driven by the opportunity to develop a military software capability, one line of code at a time.”