Navigating the Transition from Military to Civilian Life with Retain Limited

Transitioning from military to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges for armed forces personnel. The structured environment, camaraderie, and clear mission objectives characterising military life differ considerably from the civilian world.

Reintegrating into civilian society can be overwhelming. Veterans may tackle issues such as finding employment, adjusting to a less regimented lifestyle, coping with trauma or PTSD, navigating healthcare systems, and establishing new support networks. This transition period requires adaptation, resilience, and support to ensure a successful reintegration into civilian life.

Many of our employees have armed forces experience, including our founder and director, Jamie Gibbs, who proudly served with the Royal Marines. Retain Limited endeavours to provide employment opportunities to help and support military personnel to adjust to the lifestyle of a UK civilian once they have left service.

We also strive to help educate, train, and create bespoke career pathways tailored to suit individual skill sets to enable and encourage a successful and fulfilling life post-service. We take tremendous pride in helping and reassuring service leavers that there is a way forward in the civilian world.

Last year, we were delighted to attain the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. This achievement strengthened our continuous commitment to support the armed forces community in a manner that aligns with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Through a three-tier approach of bronze, silver and gold, the ERS scheme acknowledges employers’ different levels of commitment. It allows the Ministry of Defence to publicly thank and reward organisations for their support.

We announced the appointment of Jamie Cooper as our new Health and Safety Manager last month. Jamie wanted to be open and speak freely about his military career and transition experience after recently leaving the Royal Navy.

“In September 2014, I bid farewell to my role as a pool lifeguard and stepped through the gates of HMS Raleigh to embark on my journey in the Royal Navy. Here, I cultivated lifelong values of discipline, courage, commitment, respect, integrity, and loyalty.

Throughout my tenure, I had the privilege of learning and imparting essential military skills to new recruits as a weapon instructor, range conducting officer, and parade instructor. Leading security teams across various global assignments, I operated the Navy’s most powerful weaponry.

Guiding firefighting and damage control teams through diverse scenarios, I ensured departments were trained to exemplary standards in my final years of service. Gratitude is owed to my mentors, whose guidance was integral to my success.

I recently departed HMS Drake for the last time and retired my uniform and medals, having had the honour of serving and protecting our nation and monarchy. I traversed the globe over the years, encountering and assisting countless remarkable individuals. Now, I embark on a new journey within health and safety, embracing its challenges with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.

Transitioning from military to civilian life isn’t easy, yet I’ve come to appreciate the invaluable skills I’ve acquired in service. While the adjustment may be gradual, I am fortunate to have support within my new workplace and at home. My family, friends and colleagues have been a massive help during my transition.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Jamie Gibbs and everyone at Retain Limited for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead their organisation towards continued success in their esteemed health and safety policies and initiatives. I eagerly anticipate the future as we strive for growth and excellence together.”

Please click here for further insights into career opportunities at Retain Limited and information about our current vacancies in the construction and renewable energy sectors.