Ian Belcher

I joined the RAF in 1991 as an Electronics Technician, having responsibility for the repair and maintenance of airfield navigation aids, telephony systems, satellite communications equipment and IT systems. In 2000 I was commissioned as a Communications Engineer Officer. Since then I have earned a BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering and have undertaken duties in Bath, Lincoln, Afghanistan and Lyneham. I am currently working for the MoD's Software Strategy and Policy Team having completed an MSc in Software Engineering at York University.

Being adventurous in nature I enjoy many sports, including windsurfing, skydiving, skiing and scuba diving. Being sociable I also enjoy working as part of a team. As a member of a team I am at my happiest when the team faces adversity and bonds together to achieve the common purpose. Other hobbies include reading, learning and I occasionally dabble at web design and photography..

I heard about the Ice-Warrior project at the Royal International Air Tattoo, where I volunteer as the utilities manager each year, and it instantly intrigued me. The idea of being part of a novice team that will be trekking through one of the most desolate and inhospitable places on the face of the planet to achieve a goal that has never yet been achieved, whilst undertaking essential scientific research, may sound insane but is incredibly appealing both from an adventurous and scientific perspective.