From the Forces to life at EDF

Tell us about yourself

I was born in London and loved growing up in a big city. On completing my education I applied to join the Metropolitan Police but was told “you are too young and have no life experience, go and join the army and come back in a few years” - so that was what I did, and just didn’t go back. My main hobbies growing up were football and athletics, I was a fairly decent runner, it helped being 11 stone wet. I am from a military family but none of my sons or daughters has chosen military careers. 

Tell us about your experience in the Forces

I joined the Army as an 18-year-old, although training was tough, I grew to love army life. I was fortunate that career progression came relatively quickly, rising to the rank of WO1, Regimental Sergeant Major at my 18-year point, and going on to complete my full 22 years’ service. Of course, there were difficulties and challenges along the way, deploying on global operations, particularly losing colleagues and long periods away from home.

Tell us about your transition from the Forces to EDF

I transitioned from army life some years ago and it wasn’t easy. I was institutionalised and ‘civi street’ did come as a bit of a shock. The army, housed me, clothed me, fed me, disciplined me and gave me reason to get out of bed every day, and when all of that had gone I did feel isolated. I took the decision to start a second career and to do what the army taught me – to get on with it and remain disciplined and resilient. The most important element for me was my wife, she has been and still is the glue that holds our family together, without her support I would not have achieved the success I enjoy.

Tell us about the Network, how it has helped you and how it helps others

The Forces Supporters Network (FSN) was formed by likeminded people with the intent in supporting fellow veterans and reservists across EDF UK. As Chair I take this responsibility seriously and I am very well supported by our Executive Sponsor and Chief Medical Officer, Sarah Jackson. The FSN exists to assist forces personnel transition from service life, to continue supporting their journeys beyond service, to share our experience, offer advice or signpost them to professional organisations who can help further. It is also a Network with a shared value and purpose; we all have similar experiences irrespective of service and we are there to support each other as we did when serving. We are also here to support other underrepresented groups.

Our Forces Supporters Network are proud to be members and supporters of this vast community and EDF are proud to be a Forces Covenant Gold Employer - find out what it means to be a Forces Covenant Employer.