Posted By Jackie Winn Hi Malcolm, I've just read your posting on the IOSH web-site and thought I would respond as this subject is particularly close to home for me. My Partner was in the British Army from the age of 16 to the age of 24, he was a Bombardier in the Artillery Regiment and hence did not gain any qualifications professional or academic, in anything that he could subsequently use in society unless of course you consider a career as a sniper! As a result, when he left the Army in 1994 his options were limited and he therefore went to work on the oil rigs. A great job in terms of the money he earned, but again, so specialised that none of the certificates he gained whilst working offshore, can be applied to on land. After our Daughter was born in August 2003, his priorities changed and he obviously wanted to be at home with his family, but due to his lack of 'acceptable' qualifications, his options were very limited. In the end, in March 2004, he bought into a franchise that appeared on the surface to be the answer to our prayers. Six months later, after a series of events which made it impossible for him to ever operate his business successfully (due to the Parent Company being run on part by a Disqualified Director and the whole thing basically being a big con), he and eleven of the other Franchisees had their contracts annulled by a Solicitor and we were then left with no money and Mike having no job and not much chance of getting one, not a decent one in any case. However, as luck would have it, he did manage to get a job, albeit a poorly paid one and as from September, he is going to go to night school to retrain as an Engineer. This will take him approximately five years, maybe longer if his Employer will not allow him to take day release once he is ready to start his HNC. Sorry, I didn't mean to tell you my life story, but the crux of it is, he joined the Army straight from school, gained no academic qualifications because of the type of work he was assigned to do and is now picking up the pieces. Needless to say, the Army have done nothing to help, once you leave they're not interested in you any more or about what happens to you. One of his friends who was in the Army with him has been left so unable to deal with life on 'Civvie Street' that he has been left homeless and lives under a bridge in Stockport. The Army have got a lot to answer for. They are happy to allow young men to die for their Country but do nothing to help them integrate into society once they leave the Army. I also know that many employers have a 'thing' about ex forces personnel, in fact, an ex boss of mine actually once threw out a job application from an ex Soldier because he said he didn't consider him to be 'mentally suitable'. When I asked him why, he said that 'those type of people never are'. Unfortunately, I don't think this particular person is in a minority. That's my experience anyway, I hope it provides you with an insight into what real life is like for these poor people who were prepared to die for the rest of us.

Posted By Stephen J W Clegg. I served in the RAF. I was supported when the time came for me to leave and find a suitable job in civvy street. The MOD assisted me in any way they could. Regards Steve.

Posted By Lawrence Baldwin Perhaps, with so many of us in 'elfnsafety' we could form an armed branch of the Safety Practitioners movement, considering we've all shot small arms, though on my part not always a totally wise move; (sailor) Then just think of the grist for all you other guys...... Be reasonable... do it my way...or else we'll send some of the boys around.................. Sorry, just thinking aloud, and not even friday

Posted By John Watson Jackie, has your husband explored his options under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme? Basically (as I understand it) the MOD will fund 80% of training course costs up to £1k or £2k dependent upon various qualifiers for ex service people, for up to 10 years after they have left service. The end qualificatino has to be at NVQ or equivalent level 3 or above. We have had several ex forces personnel through our block release NEBOSH Gen Cert course. This would seem an ideal qualifcation for him. Regards John Watson Sales Director Corporate Risk Systems Ltd

Posted By Paul Hi, thought I would add my own little bit to this thread. I served in the Army for 15 years, and as most of you know (or will find out for those who are still serving) Military Qualifications (particularly in the Army) are not really recognised as useful tools in the big wide world; and as previously mentioned for ex service person read security guard, HGV driver and such like; a great misconception! Military service tends to bring out the best in most of us, teaches you to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team and/or independently; to organise and implement, to think on your feet to, always ask the 'What If' question (a trait particularly suited to a career as a Safety Professional) Military personnel are given levels of responsibility that their civilian counterparts would not even be considered for let alone probably accept. I received full support on my voluntary redundancy from the Army. I believe that any employers out there who choose not to consider ex -service personnel are losing out, as we (us ex-servicemen) have a great deal to offer, as a rule they are responsible, conscientious, reliable honest and all the other phrase/buzz words that most people put on their CV’s . After all doesn’t industry choose the word ‘Captain’ as in ‘captain of industry’ to describe someone who is an achiever, who is at the top of the tree! P.s before anybody feels offended, I am not knocking security personnel or drivers.

Posted By David Cameron hi, your experiences sound similar to mine when i left the force in 94 sfter 17 years. Like yourself I was in the RA and only had what I thought were sound military qulaifications like Hygience NCO, Clerk, Driver, Radio Operator NBC Instructor ect. I did the NEBOSH Cert and Management Diploma as a pre release course hoping to go into Health and Safety, but when I approached the job centre it was they that labled me. They tend to operate on the principle that they will fit you into the best available job given your background and yes forces personnel get secuity tagged. You have many transferable skills which will make your CV stand out above the rest, you just have to use them effectively and in context of the job your applying for. The forces ability to do everything with nothing all the time will always come through once you get the foot in the door and you can fly within any medium sized organisation utilising your militaty skills and knowledge. Keep at it and think about utilising the forces carreer network to help get the foot in.

Posted By Richard Sutherland I've employed an ex infantry soldier as a Safety Officer and several years ago when I was doing my General Certificate I worked alongside a similar fellow who was leaving the forces and was having training paid for by the MOD. My personal perception of ex forces personnel as employees is very high indeed. The safety officer turned out to be one of the most quick, dilligent and professional workers I've every known. I think that motivation is the key point. Generally speaking ex forces staff will not have a problem in motivating themselves nor in acting sensibly on their own initiative.

Posted By Paul Adams Two ex matelots in our safety department. Our "can do" attitude and flexibility are greatly appreciated. Boss is happy he knows he doesn't need to check up on what we are doing. When we present problems, we also offer the answers. As stated, SNCO's are usually good, they are, after all the forces middle management. Military and civvy styles don't always mix. Some people just don't understand what "Make it so" means! There are times when I think small arms training is a definite asset. Still don't know if I'd let a bootie on the loose though. Yours aye Paul