From Uniform to Civilian Life: Carl’s Journey of Transition

On Armed Forces Day, we’ve interviewed Carl to tell us what it was like transitioning from the British Armed Forces to Fedcap last year.

After nearly 25 years in the British Army, Carl made the leap into civilian employment, joining Fedcap as a Governance, Risk and Audit Manager. His journey has not only highlighted the transferable skills the military provided but also the importance of support during such a life-altering shift.

Leaving the Forces: The Start of a New Chapter

Carl began planning for his career move while still in the Army, actively looking for roles that aligned with his skillset and values. “I’d been in the Army since I was 17,” Carl explains. “I didn’t even have a CV until last year, let alone attend an interview.”  In July 2024, while still serving, Carl interviewed for a position with Fedcap. He was offered the job (Governance Risk and Audit Manager) and began in early August —months before his official discharge from the Army in November.

It was Fedcap’s values that made Carl’s transition easier “It felt like home straight away. The values of respect, kindness, and integrity—those aligned closely with what I lived by in the military.”

Facing Challenges along the way

Carl’s transition wasn’t just professional. At the same time he was adjusting to a new career, he and his partner Natalie were adopting two young boys—an emotional and time-consuming process layered with its own uncertainties. “We adopted our first son in June,” Carl shared. “Then by November—just days after I left the Army—we took in his younger brother too. It was a whirlwind.”

Balancing a new job, the adoption process, and the emotional weight of leaving the only career he’d ever known wasn’t easy. “If I’m being honest, I had good days and bad days,” Carl says. “But the support from Helen Ammash and the wider Fedcap team helped me through what could’ve been a breaking point.”

The Challenge of Letting Go—and Moving Forward

Leaving the military, Carl explains, can feel like stepping off a cliff. “In the Army, everything’s structured—housing, medical, support networks. When you leave, all of that’s gone. You’re suddenly alone in the ‘big wide world.’ That’s scary for anyone, no matter how long you’ve served.”

For many veterans, the transition doesn’t go as smoothly. Carl is acutely aware of this, and part of his motivation in joining Fedcap was to make a difference for those veterans still struggling. “We have veterans experiencing homelessness or addiction because they don’t have the support they need post-discharge. I’ve seen it firsthand—and I want to help change that.”

Transferable Skills That Still Make a Difference

Throughout his military career, Carl climbed the ranks to become a Squadron Sergeant Major, managing over 250 personnel and handling complex logistics, welfare, and training operations. These responsibilities gave him a broad skillset—leadership, audit, risk management, and empathy—that directly supports his current role and finally departed the Army as a Warrant Officer Class one.

“I learned how to lead under pressure, how to support people from all walks of life, and how to solve problems quickly,” he reflects. “Those aren’t just military skills—they’re life skills. These are what I’ve brought to Fedcap”

Looking Ahead: A Veteran Champion Within Fedcap

Now settled in his role, Carl wants to see Fedcap and other employers build on the Armed Forces Covenant by creating even stronger support structures for veterans. “We’ve made progress, but we can do more,” he says. “Hosting coffee mornings, linking with veteran charities, and proactively recruiting service leavers—all of that can make a huge difference.”

Carl has already started connecting Fedcap’s work to wider military support networks and hopes to be a bridge between veterans and sustainable employment.

Final Reflections

Carl’s story is one of transformation—marked not only by professional growth, but by personal resilience — his journey embodies the spirit of Armed Forces Day.

“Transitioning isn’t easy,” he says. “But with the right support, the right mindset, and a place like Fedcap that genuinely cares—it’s possible to not just survive, but to thrive.”