Helmoed Römer Heitman has written and lectured on defence since 1978. He played a background part in developing the 1996 South African White Paper on Defence, participated in the 1998 Defence Review and served on the Defence Review Committee from 2011 to the end of 2013.

He has also worked on various studies for the South African Navy, Army and Air Force. Other work includes lecturing at the SA Navy Staff College and consulting work for defence companies. He served in the SA Army reserve from 1970 to 1996, in posts from machinegun team leader to studies officer at the Long-Term Planning Division of Defence Headquarters.