Major General Anna-Lee Reilly honoured

Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, Head of Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

This recognition places her among 71 Fellows elected this year, celebrated as some of the most influential figures in engineering, innovation, and defence.

Reilly’s career in the British Army began in 1997 at the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. A year later, she was commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), where her passion for engineering was sparked. Since then, her journey has taken her to challenging environments across the globe, including Germany, Bosnia, and Kosovo, where she led teams of engineers in complex operational settings.

Today, as a Major General, Reilly oversees critical support for UK troops deployed overseas, including managing the Ministry of Defence’s support for Ukraine. Her role focuses on supplying and maintaining equipment, ensuring the resilience of British munitions, and overseeing industrial production.

Speaking on her achievement, Major General Reilly said:

“I am honoured to have been selected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering this year. I have had a varied military career of which I am incredibly proud. As a Fellow, I hope to give as much as I can back to my profession, helping shape the future of the industry and encouraging the next generation of engineers.”

Reilly’s career is filled with firsts. She was the first female engineering officer assigned to the prestigious Household Cavalry Regiment, where she commanded 100 soldiers during the second Gulf War. Later, as a Major, she led an armoured REME company in Canada, supporting a complex armoured infantry battle group.

In 2013, Reilly was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became commanding officer of an armoured REME battalion, where her extensive experience enabled her to oversee logistics and medical support for thousands of troops. Her progression through the ranks culminated in her appointment as Director of Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations at DE&S in November 2022.

Recognised Leadership and Impact

Reilly’s election to the Royal Academy of Engineering is a testament to her engineering expertise and leadership in the defence sector.

Andy Start, CEO of DE&S, commended her achievement:

“This is testament to her unique capabilities, exemplary engineering, and Defence career achievements. I have no doubt her contribution to the Academy will be both remarkable and inspiring.”

The Fellowship recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on engineering. Reilly joins an esteemed group of Fellows, including Sir Frank Whittle, inventor of the turbojet engine, and Sir Barnes Wallis, designer of the ‘bouncing bomb’ used in World War Two’s Dambusters raid.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, praised the newest Fellows for their contributions to addressing global challenges:
“Our new Fellows represent some of the most talented people in the world of engineering. Many come from underrepresented groups, helping to tackle issues around a lack of diversity in the profession.”