If the answer to either question is ‘yes’ then you may want to consider joining the Army Welfare Service.
Its military-civvy team supports troops and their families in their hour of need, and each year the trade takes on eight to 12 transferees from across the service.
WO2 Louise Jarrett (AGC (SPS), above) is one of those to have made the move. The 44-year-old ex-gunner said it had been “absolutely life-changing” and given her the stability of three-year postings.
Although the role of an army welfare worker is emotionally draining at times, she told Soldier it was “hugely rewarding”.
“I have learnt so much about communication, relationships and how we interact with the world,” the senior welfare worker said.
“We operate in very small teams and there are opportunities to deploy, too.
“You need to be emotionally intelligent and resilient, because you’re supporting people when they’re struggling. I find domestic violence cases to be the most complex.
“It’s so rewarding to watch people rebuild themselves after something like that.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have experience in welfare, the eight-month defence specialist welfare worker course gives you all the tools you need, such as counselling skills.
“My advice to anyone interested would be give it a go. There’s no army job like it.”
The role offers a career structure from sergeant to WO1 with assignments in major garrisons.
For details read 2025DIN01-044
