Sarah’s Experience as a Veteran in Defence

Sarah, an RAF veteran and working Mother talks about her career within the Army Civil Service.

How long have you been a Civil Servant?

I joined the MOD as a Civil Servant in November 2020. I had my job offer in the same week as the first Covid lockdown.  I have worked in Defence for a long time, previously serving 22 years in the RAF. I got married within that time and was also one of the first to stay in Service after having my daughter. I know what it’s like to be the Service person, the spouse at home during deployment, and the working mother. I had worked with a lot of civilians during my time with the RAF and wanted to get back into the Defence environment and help support other veterans, serving personnel and their families.

What attracted you to a career in the Civil Service?

Whilst overseas with my husband, I had had experience with the team I’m in now in from the other side as a military spouse. When I saw my current role advertised, I knew it was something I wanted to do – to help the Service community.

There are lots of great benefits as a Civil Servant like the pension; job security and there are lots of opportunities to move around the organisation and progress.

What do you enjoy the most about your role?

Getting to know families, children and veterans in the local community and knowing I have the lived experience and empathy for them. I’ve been in my team for three and a half years now and I am still learning, so when a spouse shouts my praises, or when I get an email from a 101-year-old veteran’s daughter to thank me for arranging their visit to a Veterans Tea, or the kiddies bring me a home-made thank you card, that’s when I know I’ve done my job.

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

I’d recommend a career in Defence as a Civil Servant to anyone, especially Veterans and those with a background or interest in Defence. Having worked in the environment previously I found it easier joining already knowing some of the systems and being familiar with the language and terminology, but training is given, and previous experience definitely isn’t necessary. I’ve found the comradery and friendship you find in the military is similar in the Civil Service. We’re all here working towards the same purpose and my colleagues are all really supportive. There’s lots of opportunities on offer to utilise skills gained in the military and to develop new ones.