We interviewed AACE employee and reservist Chris Broster on his experience leaving the military, coping with a full-time career, being a reservist and maintaining a healthy work life balance.
- Can you tell us your background and details of when and why you left the military?
I was an aircraft engineering officer in the REME and left after 25 years to pursue new opportunities in industry. Initially, I had various conversations with other ex-military colleagues, including AACE employees, who had already made the move and left the military. Through this network and the assistance provided by the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), I was encouraged to have non-committal discussions which helped inform me what options and benefits were available.
- How did you find the experience of finding a new job post your military service?
Once I had done my research (e.g., looking at job adverts) and spoke to my network, I then made the decision to leave, enacting what military personnel will know as the ‘8 clicks to freedom’. The process then involved attending various CTP events, including a Career Transition Workshop for 2 weeks. I found the process a bit difficult at times, so I utilised my ex-military network and industry colleagues to help understand their actual experiences.
From then on I had nine interviews, was offered five roles, and shortlisted for three. I choose AACE as I liked the small business family approach, and AACE offered a work life, family balance approach which fitted my requirements. I liked the idea of being able to make a difference in a smaller, agile, and flexible business, as opposed to being a small cog in a bigger organisation.
- What’s your current role within AACE and when did you join the Reserves?
For AACE, I operate as a Senior Engineering Consultant, which involves varied and interesting work on various Defence and Industry platforms.
I transferred to the Reserves from the regular Army, which meant I was able to keep my respective security clearance and the Army uniform and kit. I loved being in the Army so much, I felt I still had something to give back to the service. I transferred to the Intelligence Corps, as I wanted to gain further experience in this field.
- How did you find the transition from the military to civilian life? Did joining the Reserves help?
Initially, it was a bit daunting, but I was fortunate to be surrounded by ex-military people and AACE employees and associates who I could ask for advice. I found it hard not to switch into military ‘just do’ mode in a civilian environment at first, but it was clear that my skills and experience from the Army fitted well into my role. AACE kindly put me forward for various courses which makes me much more employable for future roles within the company.
Joining the reserves certainly softened the blow of leaving the military and its respective structure. I was able to balance the comfort of being in the reserves with ramping up my experience and getting used to life working in industry. The work experience opportunity I had with AACE gave me the ability to understand what it was all about.
- How do you manage to fit in the time requirements of being a Reservist with your work/life commitments?
My commitment to the reserves is for a total of 27 days per year, which works out to 1 night a week, 1 weekend and a 16-day camp. AACE gives me an additional 10 paid days per year to do annual committed training.
Although it’s difficult, the trick to combining being a reservist with working and life, is planning and forecasting. Significant planning required, although I can juggle things around sometimes to give subordinates and opportunity to command. Also, a supportive and understanding family really helps.
- What advice would you give to someone considering leaving the military?
Firstly, start the process in plenty of time. Identify your skills that are marketable into a civilian role and identify opportunities. It helped me to do a SWOT analysis to plan the various options I had matching the output from this to respective roles and opportunities.
Secondly, it’s also important to do financial planning looking at potential pension impacts, housing requirements, family commitments, doctor, dentist, rehabilitation etc. Leaving the military is stressful enough, so it’s important not to underestimate and plan for the impact of the transition to a new job.
Thirdly, it’s also important to realise through a new career path that its likely you will start lower down in an organisational structure. Avoid badge collecting, i.e. don’t just do training solely to obtain a qualification, it’s important to try and obtain experience as well, maybe through work experience.
Fourthly, go and seek advice. Ex colleagues are probably the best source of information and services like the Career Transition Partnership are great organisations there to help. Visiting CTP Recruitment Fairs gives you the opportunity to speak to companies like AACE who can offer useful advice about what to expect from different roles, the differences between employment or contractor opportunities and how to go about getting them.
- What hobbies/interests do you have outside or work and reserves?
I have a wife, two children and a dog which take priority. I treat my work with the reserves as a vocation. I love sport including sub aqua diving around warm water reefs and wrecks. I also upgrade and maintain a Westfield sports car. I’m currently planning a battlefield tour to Normandy looking at the D Day landings from an Allies and German intelligence perspective.
Thanks for sharing your experience Chris!
