In this second of 2 blogs, Barry Harris, Proelium Law Senior Advisor and UK Army veteran, shares a tick list of thoughts on how to successfully transition from the military to civilian life.
Employers want relevant experience and technical ability, not just a manager:
Many jobs require technical skills or expertise in addition to your leadership skills. Being a problem solver is useful, but getting to an interview on purely management experience can be hard. You are only as good as your last job to your next employer.
Find somewhere to live:
You can pick where you work and live. You can live near your last posting, back home, or wherever you want. Conduct research, remember prior planning and preparation ……….. do not expect NAAFI to be waiting.
Find someone in that area to help:
Because of the reasons above, it helps to have resources wherever you choose to live. Having willing friends and family eases the transition, remember that they have lives and families too, do not become their admin problem.
Share your experiences:
Tell your family, friends, and colleagues about your adventures. Write and share what stories and lessons you can. Join the Royal British Legion, forces charities, or other veterans groups.
Spend time with your family, or start one:
If you are single plan on finding somebody. If you are married, the chances are that you were separated by deployments a lot. Make up for that absence and keep your relationships strong. If you can find someone that thinks that jokes about military cooking are funny, they are a keeper but assume many will not.
Find a Doctor and a Dentist:
Armed Forces Medical services are excellent but say goodbye. Learn about health insurance works. There is no sick parade anymore; if you are not organised, a medical problem can be a setback.
Financial planning:
Don’t rely on a twenty-two-year retirement cheque, it won’t last long, start saving now, and learn about pensions. Your finances and future are your responsibility.
PT:
Look after yourself, you will be happy and healthy.
Grow a beard:
You know you want to…..
Nobody cares:
Not literally, your employer or colleagues might like you and care about your work, they are not responsible for you. Domestic life is entirely your responsibility, sounds simple, but the simple things are difficult.
You are not owed anything:
You served and maybe even suffered, but civilians have the right not to know or not care what you have done. Many will acknowledge and thank you, but not all, and that is how the system works.
Help:
An early departure from the armed forces can be stressful. You may have lost friends, family or health and you could be angry. All emotions are healthy but don’t let them ruin you. Do not destroy your reputation in your last months. If you have health or mental health issues, get help. If you have PTSD, start working on it now while you have resources and an understanding community.
You are more than just a member of HM Forces:
You will soon be a veteran. Leverage experiences to make an impact.
Relax:
You have seen and survived worse. Enjoy yourself and enjoy life.
“The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. The whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment”. The Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2016.
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