Armed Forces Week 2022 #SALUTEOURFORCES

• by Olivia Lawlor-Blackburn
• General

©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2020

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Find out more here.

We spoke to Ex-Military and Reservists in the team here at Advent IM who are for their support and advice to those who are transitioning to civilian life.

Kim Fenwick – Ex RAF Police Officer

What was your experience moving from the military to civilian life?

Moving from military life to civilian life was daunting, having the security of a long-term contract was always reassuring. The possibility of not having a long-term contract was a worry. Luckily, I was put in touch with Advent IM and immediately was put at ease, listening to Julia and Dave talk about the company and the work that they did, I felt at home. Having other ex-RAFP around me also made life easier.

Advice you would give to others leaving the military?

Don’t get hung up on qualifications, communication is key; coming from the military we are all able to communicate effectively. Take the lead and handle responsibility. We all like to get stuck into a challenge.

Support or resources that will be useful for those who are looking to transition from the military?

What was key for me was LinkedIn; using my network of contacts led to Advent IM. Do your research, look at what you need for a specific role and use the resources available, ELC’s and do the resettlement workshops, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Leighton Hughes –Ex RAF Police Officer, RAF Reservist and Finalist for the British Ex Forces in Business Awards Reservist of the Year ( 2022)

What was your experience moving from the military to civilian life?

My transition from regular military life to civilian life has been a journey but one that I ensured that I was never left without in terms of employment. I ensured I prepared to the best of my ability for interviews and examinations but also reached out to my former colleagues who had already made that leap and sought advice and signposting so that I can add that to my own preparation in getting into the industry/role I wanted post-military career.

Advice you would give to others leaving the military?

My advice to those leaving the military would be to ensure that you are 100% sure that you want to leave and when you do, that you are in the best possible position to succeed in civilian life. Seek out other service leavers in the industry you wish to be part of, and find out from them if there is anything else that you can do to strengthen your own position to succeed.

Support or resources that will be useful for those who are looking to transition from the military?

When I left the military, I knew that part of me wasn’t ready to let go completely and I have been lucky enough to join the reserves at my local Sqn in Oxfordshire which Advent IM has been brilliant with since I joined the company. Since joining the team, they have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant which allows me 10 days a year to achieve my annual goals as part of my reserve commitment and for that, I am extremely thankful because it allows me to still be part of the RAF family and continue my friendships, new and old, with those in the military.

Jon Carpenter – Ex RAF Police Officer

What was your experience moving from the military to civilian life?

Personally, the transition from military to civilian life was not too traumatic for me, I lived in my own house with my family and the Covid pandemic had allowed me to adapt to working from home so I did not live a typical military life.  I imagine the experience is very different for personnel who are more dependent on the military for support i.e., schooling, housing etc especially if having to resettle a family in the UK after a career overseas.

Advice you would give to others leaving the military?

The military mindset is modernising in order to maintain recruitment and retention targets, however, the old and bold will remember the ‘service before self’ approach which resulted in huge sacrifices, often to the detriment of family time.  My advice to anyone leaving the military is to start putting you and your family’s needs first, and take advantage of all support available such as Career Transition Workshops, Enhanced Learning Credits, Financial briefings etc.  The transition period is usually two years so don’t leave everything up until the last minute.  Tap into your own work and social networks, and learn from colleagues who have recently transitioned, ie what did or did not work for them.  There is plenty of support out there, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Support or resources that will be useful for those who are looking to transition from the military?

The best initial point of contact is The Career Transition Partnership (CTP)   https://www.ctp.org.uk.  The CTP are government-funded and specialises in supporting service personnel and their families who are transitioning from the military.  They offer support in areas such as CV writing, job fair invitations, LinkedIn training, and interview practice, plus they are able to signpost to other organisations who may be able to offer more specific help. This support does not end when you gain new employment, CTP support is for life.

Armed Services Covenant

We are proud to support our Armed Forces and this is why we signed up for The Armed Services Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, that organisations signing this pledge will do all they can to ensure those who serve are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. The Armed Forces Covenant commits a business to support the Armed Forces Community by recognising the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans, and military families contribute to our businesses and our country.

Find out more or sign up here.