From Commando to Civvy Street: Getting the Transition Right

Leaving the Armed Forces is not just a career move. It is a change of identity.

I made that transition myself many years ago after serving with 29 Commando Regiment. Looking back, there are a number of principles that hold true now just as much as they did then.

If you are approaching that point, or have recently stepped into civilian life, these are worth keeping in mind.

Start early — earlier than you think

Most service leavers underestimate how quickly the end comes into view.

You will almost always have a window to prepare. Use it.

Think about what you want your life to look like—not just your first job, but the direction of travel.

The strongest transitions I see are deliberate. The weakest are reactive.

Hope is not a strategy

You need a plan.

Not a vague idea, but something written down and tested. I have always worked to a one-year and a five-year horizon, revisiting both regularly.

The civilian world rewards clarity and punishes drift. If you do not decide where you are going, someone else will decide for you.

You are your own USP

In the military, your identity is largely defined by your unit, your role, and your rank.

In civilian life, that disappears overnight.

You must learn how to articulate your value—clearly and confidently. What do you actually bring to an organisation? What problem do you solve?

Your experience is often exceptional—but it is not always understood.

It is your job to translate it.

Network — whether you like it or not

This is the one many people resist.

The reality is simple: relationships matter. Doors rarely open in isolation.

Speak to those who have gone before you. Learn from what worked—and what didn’t. Most veterans are more willing to help than you might expect.

You are not starting from scratch. You are joining a different kind of team.

Prove it, don’t assume it

You may have operated at a very high level in service. That does not automatically transfer in the eyes of a civilian employer.

You will need to demonstrate your capability again.

That is not a slight—it is simply reality.

Once you do, progress can be rapid. But it must be earned in the new environment.

Be patient — and stay humble

You are now part of a different chain.

In the early months, listen more than you speak. Understand the culture, the pressures, and the personalities.

Do the job well. Do it consistently.  Reputation builds quickly—but so does the opposite.

When success comes, and it will, keep your feet on the ground. Civilian organisations are no different to military units in one respect: people notice attitude.

A final point — don’t ignore injury or entitlement

If you have suffered anything more than a minor injury during service, take advice early.

There are options available under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and in some cases, through civil claims. These are not matters to leave until years later when evidence has faded and time limits have passed.

Get clear, confidential advice and make informed decisions.

Transition is not easy—but it is entirely manageable if approached with intent.

The qualities that make you effective in service—discipline, resilience, accountability—are the same qualities that will carry you forward.

You simply need to apply them in a different arena.

Our mission is you 👊🏽

(c) G Evatt 24.03.2026