Your future needs you

Today’s Armed Forces are totally different to the ones that fought in the Second World War, and very different to those that liberated Kuwait in 1991. While many of the personal qualities needed for operations are the same ones that leaders from Hannibal to Wellington have valued so highly, modern warfare is a far cry from firing on the upward roll, forming squares and spotting artillery fire from balloons.

Even a few years ago, military training was a much simpler exercise in terms of both technology and potential roles. It was much easier to prepare for a narrower spectrum of tasks against clearly identifiable threats rather than today’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ requirement. In personal development terms, too, things have moved fast. Military certificates were awarded for course success, there was no accreditation, few applications for Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) or their equivalent, and little preparation for resettlement.

There were almost certainly a few enlightened souls who worked on self-improvement, just as there were some of those infuriating people who seem to excel at everything without much effort. But the general belief was that ‘school had been dreadful and studying was a waste of valuable drinking time’.

Not any longer. Both resettlement and personal development (two sides of the same coin in reality) have serious money and impetus behind them. While traditional values invariably take time to change, numbers registered for Enhanced Learning Credits, and drawing down both them and baby brother SLCs, are higher than anticipated, and vastly greater than would have been imaginable just a few years ago.

In part this reflects an increased emphasis on learning throughout the UK – or at least with the majority of people. Worryingly, there also appears to be an ‘educational underclass’, made up of people who did not enjoy school and are determined to avoid personal development throughout their lives.

Their attitudes are similar to those of youngsters who left school years ago and moved straight into a local manufacturing or retail job. For a few years they had the sharp suits and the flash girls while their former school companions who were on five- or seven-year apprenticeships were poorly paid and worked hard. However, those apprentices now run their own businesses and are specialist consultants while the factory and shop boys and girls are working in … factories and shops, if any are still open in their home areas.

The authorities should be congratulated. The MoD continues to implement commitments made in the Defence Training Review, resources have been made available, and commanders at all levels have personal development on their agenda. It may still not be as high on the list as the professional educator would wish, but at least it now appears on the radar screen.

Training staffs should also accept a round of applause. A great deal of very hard work has gone into the accreditation process, through which military courses earn civilian qualifications. This is immensely valuable for the successful student as it builds up a portfolio of skills that will be recognisable in the future. Finally, learning, education and resettlement staffs deserve a great deal of credit; like chefs, they seldom attract rave reviews but the service they now offer has improved out of all recognition.

A great deal of effort and money has gone into the provision of these new facilities, with a number of Service people already taking full advantage of them. Some may have a valid reason for delay in starting a self-improvement programme, but others will, sadly, never get round to doing anything about it.

The business of planning for the future should be taken seriously by everyone who has ambition, drive and the desire to succeed. Taking full advantage of what the authorities have offered is common sense; few civilians are given anything like this level of financial support and advice because no one in business could afford it. It provides the Service person with the chance to get ahead of the competition, and that is a very good place to be.

This month, Quest unveils the often-misunderstood world of close protection, and looks at possible careers for Service leavers in the management of offenders. Specific avenues for potential managers in projects and programmes, health and safety, and human resources are also covered, and readers should note that these avenues can lead to stand-alone appointments in specialist positions or form part of a generalist’s portfolio of skills. Many ex-Service people are drawn to the world of hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism; whether in the form of running a pub, driving a coach or managing a travel agency. Finally, we examine the importance of distance learning to careers in the Services as well as to the preparation for what happens after leaving them.

We hope there is something for everybody, no matter where they are stationed. But, in the words of the Hill Street Blues desk sergeant: ‘Be careful out there.’