Ex-troops have the skills to land top roles in government and should not be put off by stereotypes, a sapper-turned-civil servant has said.
Adam Jones, who served on ops including Iraq as a Royal Engineers officer before becoming a security boss in London, said those from the more junior ranks had the ability to rise to the top in Whitehall.
And he urged resettlers to seriously consider putting themselves forward – pointing out that disciplines forged in the military such as negotiation and problem solving provided a competitive edge alongside formal qualifications.
The Cabinet Office-based deputy director, who holds the equivalent civvy rank of brigadier, added: “The skill sets of the military and civil service are complimentary.
“The army is all about effect and individuals from that environment can bring a great deal – we need people who can lead teams and make things happen.
“The civil service is keen on diversity too and people joining from the armed forces community bring a diversity of thought – this is really important.”
Jones, who is also a reservist, said soldiers themselves often did not appreciate the extent of their abilities – adding that even younger NCOs shouldered much-desired skills forged in unique environments.
Their experiences often included negotiating with people of different cultures – as soldiers had done in Iraq and Afghanistan – or making life-or-death decisions under contact.
But he stressed that those resettling needed to be able to ditch their military vocabulary and clearly articulate skills to put themselves ahead of the competition.
Jones (pictured below right), who oversees the physical and digital security of the Cabinet Office, also urged troops to offload any civil service stereotypes. Working in a government department was a demanding business, the ex-sapper added.
With fewer jobs on the cards amid recent cutbacks, competition was fierce.
“It’s important that you are able to translate military skills into civilian language,” he continued. “Do not use jargon and set yourself apart because you will be up against a fair few others – we had around 350 applicants for a recent vacancy.
“Don’t come in loaded with preconceptions either – our people don’t come to work in a bowler hat with briefcase,” he added with a smile. “In my role, for example, I’m responsible for working with ministers and permanent secretaries.
“I also sit on a board that advises on security issues all across government departments.”
Jones stressed that soldiers successfully entering the civil service would find a wealth of opportunities.
“The army is good at empowering individuals as well as teaching people to make risk-based decisions – so you’ll find your experience serves you well in this environment,” he concluded.
“You’ll also discover that you are promoted on merit, so you could soon find yourself in the running for more senior roles.”
Find out more about the job opportunities available to veterans by visiting civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
