From Uniform to Civil Service: A Veteran's New Chapter at Army HQ

How long have you been a Civil Servant?

I started in the Army HQ as a Civil Servant in June 2025 having applied in January 2025.  I was formerly an Army Officer (for 26 years) and a secondary school teacher before joining the Civil Service.  Having served in many parts of the Army, including the Headquarters, it was a reasonably straight forward induction into the organisation, so I only had to worry about the transition to being a Civil Servant!

What attracted you to a career in the Civil Service?

I had an incredible 26 years in the Army, but I eventually hit my ceiling and grew out of the uniform. Having tried teaching, I realised it was not for me, but during this time I was able to reflect on my time in the military, identify where my skills lay and to gain a needed career break to consider re-joining but in a role that better suited by future needs.  Working at Army HQ as a Civil Servant has given me the opportunity to progress again and seek fresh work challenges, enjoy all the flexible working arrangements afforded to the Civil Service, and to work amongst old friends but in a different skin.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

I am in a workforce planning role which I love – I’m able to work with numbers and data, engage widely across the Army and the MoD, make meaningful recommendations to ensure the Army is well represented by the Civil Service, and that the Civil Service is highly regarded as a critical component of the Army; in a wholeforce concept.  I really enjoy the fact I’m not tied to a 2-year tour of duty (which is the Military norm), I am supported to work where and when suits me (within MoD Civil Service guidelines of core hours and time in office) and given the freedoms to develop my own ideas and projects – without having to crawl around in the mud!

Is there any advice you’d give to anyone considering a career in the MoD?

Being a Civil Servant working with the Army gives purpose to the work I do, ensuring our soldiers and commanders are best prepared for operations and deployments. The Army is a people organisation that looks after its people really well and regards Civil Servants as an integral part of the team – there is no ‘them and us’ culture.  A career in the Civil Service is a great opportunity for veterans looking to continue their ties to the military once their regular careers come to an end but in a way that better suits evolving work-life needs.