Who are the Armed Forces community

Defined by the Office of Veterans' Affairs (OVA) as individuals who have served for at least one day in His Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve).

The 2021 census data indicates there are around 1.85 million veterans living in England and Wales. 

Reservists are dedicated individuals who serve part-time as a member of the Armed Forces and take part in military and civil relief operations. 

Training commitments vary depending on the service but are usually between 19 and 27 days per year.

See our Armed Forces reservists toolkit for all you need to know to support reservists in your workforce.

Individuals transitioning from military service to civilian life.  This may cover a period of up to two years prior to their discharge date.

There are approximately 15,000 service leavers each year from a diverse range of professional backgrounds and varying lengths of service.

Wounded, injured and sick service leavers are those who have been discharged from the Armed Forces due to injury, physical or mental health problems. They may face challenges in transitioning to civilian life, such as finding employment, accessing health care, or coping with social isolation. They may also need ongoing support from charities, government agencies, or their families and friends.

A cadet force adult volunteer (CFAV) is someone who helps to lead, guide and inspire young people in one of the cadet forces in the UK. 

The Ministry of Defence cadet forces receive military training through a voluntary youth organisation, providing a challenging and stimulating cadet experience that develops and inspires young people. Further details can be found here.

This typically refers to spouses or partners and children, including those who have experienced bereavement or separation.

Many family members develop similar transferable skills and values through their support to their serving partner or parent. They can develop unique skills sets through their experiences including adaptability, resilience, communication skills as well as organisational and project management. That they may have had to project manage multiple house moves and adapt to new schools many times, means that they could posses skills that are highly valuable for your organisation.

Some military experience may be challenging to articulate in terms of language and the nature of the roles undertaken, making it difficult for employers to fully understand the skills and capabilities of candidates.

For some applicants, it may have been a significant amount of time, if they have at all, completed an application form.

For some applicants, it may be a significant amount of time, if they have at all, taken part in an interview or assessment process. This may be in excess of 20 years after a full military career. 

Research commissioned by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) suggests that female services leavers tend to play down their skills, knowledge and experience more than their male counterparts which can impact on their job search and employment prospects.

Many candidates from an Armed Forces background struggle to identify their appropriate fit within the NHS when applying for roles. They may have limited or no experience of the NHS from an employer's perspective, but this should not hinder their employment prospects with the NHS.

The Armed Forces community often face challenges in finding employment in their desired location, especially if they are currently serving in a different location.

Families in particular can be impacted by this. Military bases are often in remote places so there can be challenges in commuting to work if it is required. 

The process of transitioning to civilian life can be fragmented, and service leavers may miss out on opportunities due to their military commitments.

Spouses and partners may have to solo parent on a regular basis due to their partner being away for long periods. Without the support of local friends and family members, childcare can be more challenging than for most.

Military spouses and partners may have gaps in their CVs due to relocating and changing roles, and possibly careers, on a regular basis. 

Some service leavers may experience a culture shock when transitioning into the civilian workforce. Initially, they may feel out of place where the terminology, use of acronyms and NHS cultural norms are unfamiliar. This can lead to feelings of anxiety about understanding workplace terminology, expectations, and being understood by others.

Most service leavers are not typically worried about being employed on a fixed-term contract. However, for some, the transition represents more than just a job change - it involves adapting to an entirely new way of life.

Some service leavers lack confidence in how they will fit into the civilian world. They may feel uncertain about how their skills and experiences will be valued and appreciated.

Armed Forces spouses and partners maybe highly qualified with significant skills and experience, however their work histories may have significant gaps due to frequent relocations. They may also have caring responsibilities. 

Watch military spouse Mel's story.

It is important to remember that service leavers are not defined by negative stereotypes. The majority choose to leave to pursue other opportunities, seek geographical stability for family reasons, or because they have completed their contract.

Members of the Armed Forces community employ a wide range of communication styles. It is important to note that shouting and giving orders are typically reserved for exceptional circumstances where immediate safety is paramount. Similar to their civilian counterparts, service leavers and veterans adapt their communication approaches to suit various situations.

This community are usually task and solution-focused individuals. They are accustomed to hitting the ground running but may require assistance in understanding the softer culture of the NHS.

Many service leavers tend to be overly modest about their achievements. However, they all possess unique leadership experience and valuable transferable skills that are relevant to the NHS.