Brilliant job; now translate the skills to a different use...

The fact that British Forces have just been engaged in an incredibly successful war should come as no great surprise. There has only been one year since the end of the Second World War in which a Serviceman has not lost his life on operations, and nowadays the same dangers apply to Servicewomen.

Despite carping and criticism from all the usual suspects and media commentators, the general public was again amazed and impressed by the professionalism and determination to get the job done displayed on its TV screens and in its papers. The nation is extremely proud of and grateful for its Servicemen and women, and they continue to ride high in its estimation despite the occasional lurid headline as some individual misbehaves in spectacular fashion.

However, there are a number of similarities between military operations and commercial competition that may not be apparent to the Service person at first sight. Indeed, many people in uniform can make a mistake by regarding themselves as such a breed apart with such different and higher standards that their show is the only one in town.

Intelligence and information on the opposition are obviously critical in both cases. It is madness to attempt military actions without knowing as much as possible about the enemy. Similarly, it is completely crazy to attempt the launch of a new product, to pitch for a contract or even apply for a job, without knowing as much as possible about the organisation you are up against. Military intelligence gathering includes intentions, units, strengths, weapons, ammunition, resources, resupply and morale. The civilian equivalents are business objectives, companies in the group, financial muscle, products and services, research and development, share price, relationships with stakeholders, and industrial relations. Readers should be able to spot a number of similarities between these lists.

In both cases, a clear aim is ideal, although politics and practicalities may cloud it. There will inevitably be limitations on this aim; some imposed externally and others due to internal considerations. A company will always have to refer to its legal objects and powers (its charter) to ensure that it can proceed as it might wish, while a military organisation has the Geneva Convention and UN or NATO restrictions to consider.

The overall aim, or mission statement, is inevitably broken down into a series of tasks in an order of priority. Resources, be they ships, brigades and aircraft, or shares, loans and personnel, are matched with these tasks and battle is commenced.

The major difference is that commercial business is engaged in operations every day of its life, while at least the military gets the occasional chance to regroup, rest and retrain; and business operations are every bit as cut-throat, its managers just as hard and demanding. Loss of employment is an ever-present danger, either because there are market changes completely out of individuals' control or because they are not good enough to turn in the profit level required. There are comparatively few positions in which to hide the employee who is merely adequate.

Just as many military people enjoy being on operations with the adrenaline running as the tempo increases, being involved in civilian competition can be great fun. Developing a new business, going head-to-head with the opposition on a pitch, developing a new product and making a sale can all bring a buzz to the individual involved. Building up a small business is an adventure in itself, requiring every bit as much determination, hard work, initiative and luck as any Service occupation. Running a successful business calls for the same personal qualities as the ones so highly regarded in the Forces.

So why is it that so many Service people are either scared about leaving and going into 'civvy street', or so over-confident that they do not do the necessary research?

Service leavers should treat civilian employment in just the same way as they do a military deployment. Prepare every detail and leave as little as possible to chance. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to get ready. Study all available information. Do the necessary reconnaissance. Learn about the objective and the competition. And always be balanced to deal with the unexpected.

Translated, this means that you should enhance your learning and your skills while you are serving, through personal development; and learn about civilian opportunities through research, networking and membership of institutes and trade bodies. Examine the market and decide what organisations you would like to work for and what sort of job you want to do. Ensure that your qualifications match your ambition; if they do not, get some more. Get help to prepare your CV and covering letter. At the interview, be relaxed and open; and, if you want the job, fight for it.

Not that different from regime change, really!