When we [Ben, Suze and Doc - Redeployable team] left the armed forces, there was no map, no military GPS pinging out the perfect route. Just a vague sense of “get a job” and a pile of leaflets nobody asked for. If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone. We’ve spoken to hundreds across the military community, and guess what? Most people winged it. Some crashed. Some climbed. Everyone learned something the hard way.

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So here’s the advice we wish someone had shoved in our bergens before we handed in our ID cards.

Don’t Rush It

Slow is smooth. Smooth is… well, you know the rest. Rushing into the first civvy job that sounds familiar (hello, security) might work short-term, but it won’t always cut it long-term. Take the time to figure out you, what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what your life actually needs right now.

• Want a steady income and time for family?
• Need to hit a financial goal post-resettlement?
• Dreaming of a role with real growth (not just a snazzy military logo on your payslip)?

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Think broader than the usual suspects. Some of the best army careers aren't even in uniform, they're in tech, logistics, finance, healthcare, and beyond.

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[RESOURCE]

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Don’t Undersell Yourself

Here’s the bit most civilians don’t get: Armed forces soldiers don’t just follow orders. They lead, problem-solve, adapt under pressure, and manage complex operations (often with dodgy kit and no sleep). That’s gold dust in the workplace. So no, you’re not “just an infantry soldier” or “just a driver.” You’ve got serious transferable skills. Whether it’s leadership, mission planning, or team management, you've already done the kind of stuff people write LinkedIn posts about.

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Know your worth. Then learn how to talk about it in civvy terms (our AI tool can help with that, see below).

Start Networking Early

You know how the military community has each other’s backs? Turns out that doesn’t stop at discharge. Veterans are everywhere, in HR departments, hiring panels, and heading up businesses. Jobs aren’t just posted online, they’re often passed along quietly, to those already in the know.

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So get in the know.

• Attend military events specifically for vetrerans
• Show up at career fairs, veterans meetups, or industry expos
• Send a message to someone who’s already made the leap

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And yes, connect with us at Redeployable. Our network is full of real people doing real things, not just posting “inspirational” quotes with a British armed forces veterans badge. If you want more advice on networking, give this article a read.

Test the Waters While You’re Still In

Those last six months? Gold dust. If you’ve got time for ex-military employment exploration, use it. Whether that’s through armed forces civilian jobs, internships, or placements via the Career Transition Partnership, try things out.

You might find a surprising fit. You might realise what doesn’t work for you (which is just as valuable). Look into courses, military resettlement grants, workshops, or short-term gigs. It all counts.

Need to Chat It Through? We’re Here.

We built Redeployable because we were tired of seeing ex-forces folks new careers boiled down to “security or bust.” We use AI to map your experience, interests, and lifestyle needs to careers that actually fit. No guesswork. No faff. Just solid advice from people who’ve worn the kit and got the T-shirt.

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