‍“Imposter syndrome’s real,” he admits. “I’ve got 26 years of experience, but I still find myself thinking, am I good enough for this?”

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Meet Craig, and follow his journey from Army life to civilian career. 

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After 26 years in the British Army, Craig has decided it’s time for something new. He joined as an Aircraft Technician at 19 and rose through the ranks to become a commissioned officer. Now a Captain in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), Craig currently serves as Chief of Staff to a 300-person battalion, leading on strategic planning, operational delivery, and personnel management across dispersed units. He’s led engineering teams, taught policy as an instructor, supported specialist units, and worked closely with industry. In 2020, he commissioned during the uncertainty of the pandemic, trading tools for strategy.

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Now, Craig’s decided his time in service is up. This series follows his real-time reflections as he navigates his final year in service. Month by month, he’ll share the highs, the lows, the experiments, and the mindset shifts that come with leaving the military after more than two decades.

Entry 1: The Big Decision and Signing-Off

• Phase: Discovery 
• CV Rewrite: Not yet. This month is about learning, reflecting, and figuring out what excites him.
• Networking: Ongoing and active. Dozens of conversations across finance, defence, energy, and retail.
• Target Role: Undecided. He’s intentionally exploring rather than locking into a path too soon.
• ‍Confidence: ⬆ This month: Took the leap, handed in notice, and is leaning into exploration, excited, but imposter syndrome is lurking.
  
  

“There’s relief in finally doing it, but also nerves. You don’t walk away from nearly three decades of structure, purpose, and community without a few wobbles.”

Craig always planned to serve 22 years. But COVID changed that. He commissioned and has since spent five years as a Captain. But with retirement decades away, and the chance to start a whole new career, the case for staying put just isn’t strong enough. Plus, family plays a big part in this next chapter. With two sons at home and ten years of commutable postings under his belt, he knows that the flexibility he's had so far could vanish with a single new assignment. 

“I don’t want to be a weekend dad,” he says. “I want more control over where I live and how I spend my time.”

So ultimately, although the decision to make such a big jump is never a simple one, Craig is stepping into resettlement ready for the next challenge. 

‍Where is he on his resettlement journey?

Right now, he’s not rushing into anything. There are engineering roles he could return to, but he’s not convinced that’s the right fit. Instead, he’s meeting people, lots of people. Friends in finance, defence, energy, and retail. This stage is about research. About testing things, trying things, seeing what fits.

“Some of the conversations feel more like therapy sessions,” he laughs. “But they’re helping me figure out what actually drives me.”

💡 That’s a great insight, If you’re not sure what you want next, conversations are key. Not every chat has to be an interview or formal meeting, some will just help you unpick what matters most.

And how does it feel? 

Even for someone as prepared as Craig, the nerves are there. He’s glad he made the call, but there’s no pretending the next bit is easy.

“Imposter syndrome’s real,” he admits. “I’ve got 26 years of experience, but I still find myself thinking, am I good enough for this?”

Craig knows he’s lucky to have a strong network. But even with that support, navigating resettlement feels harder than it should. That’s part of why he’s doing this series, to talk about what really happens when you leave, not just the polished summary when he’s 18 months into a new career. 

“I don’t have all the answers,” he says. “But I’m determined to figure them out. This isn’t about finding a job. It’s about finding the right one. And for the first time in a long time, I’m building something for me.”

💡 We always say: you’re not just changing jobs, you’re changing your life - it's why we think the military-to-civilian move is the toughest career switch out there. And that takes space to reflect, reset, and get it right. Craig’s approach, to resist the rush, speak to people, listen to yourself, is exactly what we help you to do in the Redeployable platform.
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So what’s next? Network building, exploring his options, and learning about what’s out there. Stay tuned and we’ll update you next month on where he’s at. 

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[CALLOUT]

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Entry 2: Courses, Careers Fairs, and Conversations That Count

• Phase: Discovery 
• CV Rewrite: In progress. Sent to contacts for feedback, more versions are on the to-do list.
• Networking: Active and growing, with a real focus this month. Multiple meetings with mentors, veterans, friends, and employers in defence, finance, and tech.
• Target Role: Still exploring, but gravitating towards roles involving people and leadership, with a strong purpose.
• Confidence: ↕️ This month: Some dips, especially after hearing others have job offers already, but reassurance from his network has kept momentum high. Still tackling imposter syndrome daily.

“Resettlement starts the day you join,” Craig reflects. “I wish I’d started building the CV three years ago, not now.”

What’s Moved Forward?

“I’ve done loads,” Craig says, and it’s true.
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The biggest milestone? His sign-off is now official. That’s activated his resettlement allowance and kicked off formal support. He’s had his first RAB briefing: Resettlement Advisory Brief with his Individual Education & Resettlement Officer (IERO). He discussed everything he’s entitled to, including leave, allowances, and subsistence. This left him feeling informed, not frustrated, a win in itself. 
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From there, it’s been action stations:

• Training booked: He was able to book a CTP-funded mini-MBA, plus Scrum Master and APM PMQ courses, not necessarily to switch into project management, but to broaden his leadership toolkit.
  
• Events and visits: He’s back from Barclays’ Glasgow campus and heading to his first official careers fair.
  
• Mentors engaged: A well-connected NED, a senior lead at Barclays, and even friends of friends, Craig’s built out a strong web of support, including one mentor helping him prepare for future salary negotiations.
  
• Networking deepened: Through LinkedIn, email intros, and old military connections, Craig’s had conversations with MBDA, Deloitte, and more. Some came via direct outreach. Others through chance meetings and mutual contacts. Either way, he’s showing up.

“I’ve got a year,” he says. “But it already doesn’t feel like a long time.”

What’s Been Easier Than Expected?

Two things stand out: the power of the military network and people’s willingness to help.

“I was worried I’d be pestering people,” he admits. “But actually, they want to talk, and they want to help.”

From a chance catch-up in Barclays HQ to a connection made via his wife’s client, Craig’s seen firsthand just how wide the support of a network stretches, and how willing people are to go the extra mile and help him out. 
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Even his mentor, a seasoned exec in the AI and startup space, has been hands-on: giving Craig feedback, opening doors, and pushing him to think beyond the obvious career paths.

“The network is massive,” Craig says. “I don’t think I realised how many allies we have out here.”

💡 And that’s the thing, even if you’ve only served a few years, start by searching ‘veteran’ on LinkedIn and reaching out to people in companies that interest you. Chances are, they’ll be more than happy to help.

What’s Been Harder?

Fitting everything in - especially while still serving - has been harder than expected. 

“I thought I’d just throw myself into resettlement,” he says. “Book the courses, smash through them, done.”

But life (and full-time work) have other ideas. His goal is still to get the bulk of his training done before Christmas, but fitting everything in is proving harder than expected.
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There’s also the mental load. Hearing a mate already has two job offers knocked Craig’s confidence. “I started worrying,” he says. “Am I behind?”. Add to that the daily battle with impostor syndrome: not knowing how to place himself, wondering if he’s underselling, and it’s clear that this process, while productive, still carries weight.

“I hate bigging myself up,” he admits. “But I’m realising I’ll need to if I want to land the right role.”

💡 He’s not alone. Selling yourself doesn’t come naturally to most veterans. Start by nailing your story and elevator pitch, then practice it out loud.
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Need help? The Personal Brand stage in the Redeployable platform walks you through it, step by step.

How’s He Feeling?

Cautiously optimistic. His confidence dips now and then, especially when comparing timelines. But thanks to positive feedback from mentors, employers, and peers, he’s reminded regularly that he’s on the right path.

“I’m setting achievable goals,” he says. “I’m chipping away.”

And he’s keeping the bigger picture in mind: a role that feels right, not just available.

“It has to involve people,” he says. “Helping, leading, developing. That’s where I thrive.”

What’s Next?

Craig’s month is focused and strategic:

• Book the courses, so he can get them ticked off
• Keep building connections: More in-person meetings, “I prefer face-to-face. It just lands better.”
• Explore new directions: Startups and business development are now on his radar, thanks to mentor nudges.

Stay tuned, and we’ll catch up with Craig next month. 

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[CALLOUT]

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