NAAFI Break

It is always invigorating to hear the stories of second career success, but even more so when that person not only transitions well, but then ‘gives back’ to help the ne t generation of Service Leavers.
Roger Green is a man with an infectious energy and enthusiasm to share his experiences and help others, a trait which can be traced back to his early military training days, as the older cadet.

The detail and planning Roger went to when planning his transition is a great example of using your military training and skills to great effect.

Roger and I are working on further support for the Veteran Community in my day job with JobOppO.

His energy and desire to give back are what I describe as ‘A Good Apple’

#RoyalNavy #Lawyer #GiveBack

The highest ranking guest to have joined me on the NAAFI Break, not that it is of huge significance, but  I have been curious to see a different perspective and approach to the transition process. What is more comforting and enlightening,  is that it is clear that rank has no bearing on post-service success and the challenges are consistent across all ranks.
Simon offers some excellent observations about translating your military experiences into confidence for your next career choice.

Please like and share to anyone with a Forces connection 

RAF Veteran Alistair McFarland joins me as my guest on the NAAFI Break podcast, discussing the change in mindset and priorities experienced when joining and leaving his military career. 
Alistair was able to articulate the changes in his priorities and family considerations as well as the crucial communication between him and his wife when trying to find his next role after leaving the RAF.

A fantastic honest, reflection of the military transition, not around the technical skills transfer to civilian employment, but the most important thing family!

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When I saw the 'NAAFI Break Veterans Hub' on LinkedIn,  I could not resist exploring and making contact with founder Sebastian Edwards-Beech, a Household Cavalry Veteran, who moved into a successful Private Security career on leaving the Army. 

The NAAFI Break Veterans HUB in Wilmslow, was set up in the local areas to support  and engage with  Veterans. As we all remember the NAAFI Break was a time for providing,  brews, banter, support, help and advice.
This episode provides a personal lived experience, leading to a 'giving back' purpose, that is now driving him forward, Sebastian shares the emotional and personal impact of his military career and beyond.

So glad I stumbled across The NAAFI Break Hub! Hope you will follow and support the work in Wilmslow or share the story if you can't visit.

#podcast 
 

I am joined on the NAAFI Break podcast this week by James Paul Watson, Author, Local Counsellor, founder of Ex- Forces Union CIC with a 1st Class Honours degree in Military History, but most important an Irish Guards Veteran.

We discuss the way we train our soldiers, the long term legacy of that method and how to help them transition more effectively.

James brings his own personal lived experience openly and with honesty to highlight his new purpose in holding Government accountable for the after care of our Veteran Community.

A powerful and stirring conversation that I was grateful to have.

Please follow and share the NAAFI Break podcast to your own network.

#Veterans #ServeAgain 

Check out his book https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B099NGWY4N

This episode we meet Sam OConnor, Royal Marine Veteran and Co owner of The Floorsmith LTD. 
He shares his lived experience, the lessons learned and mistakes made!
Sam is one of my ‘younger ‘ Veteran guests and certainly provides a different attitude to entry to the Royal Marines as well as life beyond.

Please share and comment with your feedback 

I am back to kick off 2023 with another story of second career success after the military.
Alistair Scott, is well established in the Commercial world, having entered the Facilities Management sector after leaving an Army career behind, A REME Veteran, he transferred his skills and experience into the new environment with great success. He now runs his own company and has continued to serve, by giving back once he had settled into civvy street, via his charitable role with ‘Care after Combat’.
His lived experience and adaptation  to the new workplace rules is a great example of increased self awareness and growth.
Another great reflection from our NAAFI Break guest.Please, like, comment and share to anyone with a Forces connection.

Sean Foley, is the EQCommando. A former Royal Marine, he has crafted a career, launched off the back of a moment of stark realisation on a ridge in Kuwait. 
His journey hasn’t been linear, more of a squiggly one, but he walks his own talk. He is comfortable in his own skin.

There are moments of honesty and the guts of   what’s behind his outlook, that will resonate with others, but importantly it’s his lived experience and honesty as he reflects that is of most value to Veterans and Service Leavers.

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Founder of The Spearhead Foundation former Rifleman Craig and I first met on a rugby pitch 10 years ago. I had no idea of the personal journey he was on from his medical discharge from the Army following injuries sustained in Afghanistan.

The experience of that day and his journey since are great insight into the mindset and attitude he has. In his word he feels normal when surrounded by chaos. Success after service is relative and varied, but talking to Craig and charting his achievements to date are, in my mind an indicator of success.

Personal growth and self awareness are a regular theme in the guests we speak to, this episode emphasized this further.

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For the first time I have invited a previous guest back to the NAAFI Break podcast. A year ago I came across a Veteran who was stirred to action by the Afghan Refugee crisis and he decided to do more than make an online donation to help. So began EMS4Afghans and a year of serving again. With the momentum building, global events created an extension to the original cause and Bridge to Unity was formed to support the Ukrainian situation. 
Matt Simmons has had time to reflect on his post RAF career and has come to some clear conclusions. I felt I had to uncover more from him and share the story.

Please like follow and share to anyone with a Forces connection. 

Matt Simmons what I call a 'Good Apple'