A tactical manoeuvre

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your time in the military?

A: The British Army presented me with an opportunity in life that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I joined in 1998 as a 17-year-old with no qualifications and went into the Royal Logistic Corps as a Movement Controller. I spent 23 years in this career, with eight spent living overseas.

My role took me across the globe, deploying on multiple operational tours and overseas exercises. I completed my service, having reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 –the pinnacle of a non-commissioned soldier’s career.

Q: What led to you taking up your current role in compliance with the Defence Safety Authority?

A: I was involved in resettlement [helping military personnel smoothly transition from the army into civilian life], a job opportunity came up in the Movement & Transport Safety Regulator, which is part of the Defence Safety Authority. It was an easy move for me as I would still be within the Ministry of Defence, but I had previously had experience in an assurance and inspection role, so this suited me well.

Q: What training or re-skilling were required to make this transition?

A: I had little safety experience, so I completed a National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) General Certificate and NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate. I also completed a Lead Auditor qualification in ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use.

Q: What support and guidance were available to you as you made your career transition?

A: Once you decide to leave the military, you are automatically put into a career transition programme, which involves numerous workshops, advice and guidance to find jobs and move into civilian life. The time you have served will also decide whether you get enhanced learning credits, which are cash value amounts that can be used to heavily subsidise qualification or training costs.

I also received additional leave that allowed me to spend time researching, job-hunting and attending interviews and work placements.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of making this career transition?

A: The most challenging part of the transition is in the early stages when you are unsure what career you want next. You can feel quite anxious about whether you will find a job, be financially secure, and the reality that you will now have to compete with others to secure employment.

While serving in the military, you know that your job is secure, you know what is expected of you, and you know how you are going to perform. The introduction into the civilian world can be quite daunting.

Q: We have heard previously how military personnel make good auditors – what skills and knowledge from your career in the armed forces have helped you in your current role?

A: I have learned so much in this new role that I actually look back on my military career at different stages and think to myself ‘I could have done this better’, or ‘I should have done that better’. However, as you progress through the ranks in the military, you develop a number of soft skills and abide by certain values and standards. These can include courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty, and selfless commitment.

These attributes, along with others we pick up over the years, align closely with the competencies needed to be a successful auditor.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about transitioning from a service career into a compliance or quality role?

A: I would advise that they have transferable skills that would make them a good fit for the compliance/quality environment. Discipline, attention to detail, adherence to procedures are all good traits required to be an auditor and for business improvement.

I would advise them to translate some of the military terminology or jargon to which they may be accustomed, as civilian employers and colleagues may not be familiar with it. I would also advise them not to dilute or decrease any of the standards they have displayed and developed over many years, as these are exactly what are required in industry for a compliance/quality role.