A return to the veterans, building on the earlier conversation.  This time DCDS – M met them to understand perception inside the forces, and to grasp why the veterans hold such real weight, through a father – and – son, mentor – and – mentee culture that runs strongest in the navy, where the bond between generations shapes trust and influence.  The aim was insight of a subtle but vital kind, to understand how respect and trust actually flow inside the institution, because knowing that is knowing how the sector truly works beneath the surface.  DCDS – M came to learn the human architecture of influence, the relationships that carry weight far beyond rank alone.  Understanding this culture is understanding how trust moves, and trust is the currency of everything in defence.  This conversation gave the coalition a rare and valuable map of how perception and influence travel inside the forces.  It deepened DCDS – M’s cultural fluency and sharpened its instinct for how to earn genuine standing right across the sector.