Royal Tank Regiment, Challenger 2 crewman + CBRN specialist, now Cyber Security Consultant
How did the skills and values that you gained during your time in the Armed Forces, as well as the challenges you came up against, help you to carve your current career?
Having to adapt to a completely new environment is a somewhat a challenge though not out of the ordinary. Throughout my time in the military, we had to progressively adapt to new changes and constantly acquire new skills.
What was the biggest culture shock or adjustment you experienced when moving from the Armed Forces to the corporate environment?
Adapting from soldier to civilian has been my biggest challenge - not being monitored or watched like you would be in the military, to people not really caring or noticing. Normal daily routines change drastically and adjusting to different levels of authority.
What aspects of your current role most closely align with your military experience?
The relationship I have with everyone I work with at Methods is very similar to the relationship I had with the guys in my unit.
How did you identify and target the security/risk management sector as your post-military career path?
Risk management came daily no matter the task given - whether its prepping the CR2 for exercise, to cleaning weapons. This would involve huge amounts of risk assessments for yourself and everyone within the CR2 crew. For example, assessing the location of the CR2 within the hanger to which way its facing, if it can be moved, what is nearby, and if it is safe to prep for movement, will it endanger us, or anyone else, geographical assessment, weather, time of day, personnel welfare, equipment safety, and environment.
What aspects of the Armed Forces leadership style have you found most valuable in your corporate consulting role?
Taking on new challenges and acquiring new skills and practices to overcome these challenges, alongside the level of discipline, and team-building skills have been transitional skills for me.
How does the team dynamic at Methods compare to what you experienced in the Armed Forces, and how did you adapt?
Working with ex-military at Methods really helps with the work ethics, which helps build strong relationships.
What advice would you give to employers about recognising and utilising the value that veterans can bring to their organisations?
Veterans possess exceptional technical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to perform effectively under pressure. Their professional background cultivates unwavering loyalty and a strong commitment to achieving mission objectives.