Remembrance Day — Why hiring ex-armed forces is good for business

Remembrance Day is very special for us at Firebrand, as several of our colleagues have retired from active duty with the Armed Forces in the UK and across our European regions. More than on any other day, this is the day we recognise the commitment, dedication, professionalism, and, ultimately, the sacrifice exhibited by so many who have served.

Moreover, we are proud to have taken the pledge to support the UK Armed Forces Covenant, leading charities such as FrontFoot Life and FrontFoot Jobs, and the training of UK UK Law Enforcement through the National Cybercrime Programme, NPCC.

One of our colleagues who served in the military is Firebrand Global Director of Quality, Shaun Donaghy. This Remembrance Day, we asked him to contribute a blog about a topic of his choice that he sees as very important.

“For me, it has to be how we recognise and celebrate the quality of professionals entering the civilian workforce after serving in the military and how we are open to training and employing such professionals.

“Prior to my current career in vocational education, I spent 13 years in the British Army. I know first-hand the well-drilled skills and attributes that service leavers bring to the civilian workforce. Not only do they have remarkable self-discipline and drive, but they also benefit from experiences in unique and challenging environments that develop the ability to employ these aforementioned skills with pace and accuracy.

“This is why I believe that hiring skilled, talented, and able individuals with a background in the armed forces can add significant value to any employer’s workforce. These qualities can vary based on veterans’ specific roles and experience, but, generally, I believe these individuals exhibit several key traits that make them highly desirable in any business context.

“First of all, Leadership. Military personnel have often led teams or units in high-pressure and dynamic environments. They're trained to make quick, effective decisions and motivate others.

“Related to this, the sense of Teamwork in the military is second to none. Military service emphasises teamwork and collaboration, fostering the ability to work effectively in diverse teams and support colleagues in achieving common goals.

“Of course, to be a valuable team player, a person must demonstrate Adaptability and Resilience. Veterans, who have often faced challenging and unpredictable situations, are adept at performing under pressure, showcasing resilience in adverse conditions.

“Other character traits veterans bring are Discipline, a strong Work Ethic, as well as Integrity and Professionalism. Military training instils these values, ensuring reliability, punctuality, and dedication to the tasks at hand, which can positively influence company culture and ethics.

“In terms of skills, the armed forces are trained to solve problems, often in high-stakes situations. They’re able to analyse, strategise, and adapt to any situation, which can be invaluable in the workplace, where critical thinking capabilities are in high demand.

“Adding to these excellent Problem-Solving Skills are Technical and Specialised Skills – in their army careers, many veterans have had experience dealing with logistics, engineering, IT, healthcare, and many other areas; often, they might have undergone training that directly translates into specific job requirements for civilian roles. These transferrable skills are a fantastic asset and a reliable building block for any new career.

“Related to this, very important, are an awareness of Safety and Security matters and effective Communication Skills. Veterans are often trained in security protocols and safety measures, making them particularly adept in roles that prioritise safety and security. The armed forces community are also highly process-compliant.

“Military experience often hones effective communication skills, both in giving clear instructions and actively listening, which are crucial in many job settings. The ability to communicate confidently, with internal and external stakeholders, at varying levels of influence and importance, makes armed forces leavers ideal for any leadership role.

“Ex-military personnel bring excellent transferrable skills and attributes that can benefit employers; their unique perspectives and robust skill sets can significantly contribute to any company's success. However, to make the most of this experience, employers need to provide an environment that supports the transition from military to civilian work and fosters the continued growth and development of these individuals within their organisation. 

“At Firebrand, we advocate for the hiring of ex-military professionals with our active pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, FrontFoot, and NPCC. We've also been recognised, holding the bronze award for the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

“If you're a service leaver looking to diversify your skill set into the world of Data, Cyber Security, Software, Infrastructure, and more, take a look at our partnership with FrontFoot. Together, we aim to help service members reskill for rewarding and sustainable careers in civilian life.”