Let’s talk green tech. Or eco-tech. Whatever name you give it, it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. If you’re an armed forces leaver thinking about your next mission, this is one you might want to pay attention to.

What is green tech (and why should you care)?

Green tech is all about using technology to solve environmental problems. Think clean energy, smarter resource use, less waste, and generally trying to sort out the planet before it’s too late. We’re talking:

• Renewable energy
• Energy efficiency
• Water conservation
• Pollution control
• Waste management
• Carbon offsetting

Basically, companies using tech to tackle the climate emergency. Some are developing smarter ways to power our homes. Others are cleaning up industrial processes or inventing tech to suck carbon out of the air. It’s big, it’s urgent, and it’s hiring.

Why green tech matters right now

You don’t need a full brief to know the climate crisis is real. Green tech is how we fight it. It’s the tech industry’s version of boots on the ground, except instead of clearing a compound, you’re clearing emissions.

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The UK government has committed to net-zero emissions. That means serious investment into new energy infrastructure, sustainable transport, green housing… you name it. All of it needs talent. And the best bit? They’re not just after Oxbridge grads with perfect teeth. They want problem solvers. Doers. People who can lead, adapt, and work under pressure. Sound familiar?

Why green tech could be a great fit for ex-military candidates

Here’s where the transferable skills from military to civilian life come in. You might not think you're a “techie” but green tech isn’t just coding and carbon credits.

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Here’s what you bring:

• Leadership: These companies are scaling fast. They need leaders who can steady the ship and make decisions. Military officer jobs? You’ve already got the experience.
• Technical mindset: If your armed forces role involved engineering, logistics, or systems thinking, you’re more ready than you think.
• Problem-solving under pressure: The green tech industry exists because the old way of doing things didn’t work. It’s a disruptive, fast-moving environment. They need people who can stay calm, assess the terrain, and fix the problem.

What’s in it for you?

Aside from actually doing something that matters (for once), here’s the deal:

• Make a difference. Your job will directly contribute to tackling climate change. That’s not just a sales pitch, it’s the point.
• Work on cutting-edge tech. You’ll be part of innovation, not just maintenance.
• Jobs for former military are increasing in this space. Green tech companies value skills over CV buzzwords. If you’ve got what they need, you’re in.
• You’ll be in demand. The industry is booming and skilled people are thin on the ground. That means job security and decent pay.

How to get started in green tech

• Upskill where it counts. Depending on the role, you might need engineering, project management, or sustainability training. Our AI-powered platform can help spot the gaps.
• Get experience. Volunteering or interning might not sound glamorous, but it opens doors. Especially with start-ups.
• Network smartly. Go to military events, find veteran job search groups, and speak to people already in the space. Veterans love helping each other out, and you’ll get the unfiltered version of what it’s like on the inside. Read this article on networking for more tips.

Example roles to look out for:

• Sustainability project coordinator
• Field engineer in renewable energy
• Environmental compliance specialist
• Data analyst for energy efficiency
• Ops or logistics manager at a recycling or clean transport start-up

All of these have job opportunities in the military skillset sweet spot. Whether you're after an ex-forces job that get you out in the field, or hybrid roles with decent structure, it’s worth a look.

Ready to explore a career in green tech?

At Redeployable, we leverage AI to make career resettlement simple, transparent, and tailored to you. Our AI-powered tools help to match you with careers based on more than your rank or role, analyse your skills to highlight civilian job matches you may not have considered and provide step-by-step guidance so your transition isn’t a guessing game.

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