Own your story – and your next chapter

Transitioning from the military to civvy life is a mission in itself, one that comes with new terrain, new rules, and a new kind of rank structure. But here’s the good news! If you’ve served in the Armed Forces, you already have the discipline, adaptability, and leadership skills it takes to not only survive in the civvy workforce, but to thrive and rise through the ranks!

Here’s how you can master your civilian career and set yourself up for that next promotion.

1. Translate Your Skills – And Own Them

Civvy job titles might not directly match your military experience, but your leadership, quick thinking, and problem-solving under pressure are in-high demand. The key? Learn to speak the same language and remember, you have a lot to offer, but it’s crucial to understand exactly what you bring to the table.

Start by jotting down your top skills and qualifications, look beyond the obvious. Maybe you’ve led strategic ops, managed complex IT systems, or overseen large projects. Don’t forget soft skills like communication, adaptability, and mentoring others, they matter just as much.

Understand your translatable skills

2. Build Your Network

In the military, your unit was your network. You relied on each other, shared knowledge, and had each other’s backs. In civilian life, networking works the same way, it’s just outside the chain of command.It might feel unfamiliar at first, but you already know how to build strong relationships – that can be within your own organisation or outside. Reach out to former colleagues who’ve gone through resettlement and promotion within Civvy Street. Ask what helped them, what didn’t, and what advice they’d give.

How do you successfully network in civvy street?

3. Ask for Feedback (Then Act on It)

Feedback in the civvy world isn’t always direct like it is in the military. But it’s out there, performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, casual check-ins. Don’t wait for it; ask for it! Then, use it to grow. Demonstrating that you can learn, adapt, and improve is a fast track to standing out as leadership material.

4. Develop New Civvy Skills

Even though your military skills are incredibly valuable, some skills may need updating for civilian work, whether it’s industry-specific software, certifications, or communication styles. Consider online courses, local workshops, or even mentorships within your company.

Have a look at our free pathways courses here.

5. Lead, Even Without the Title

One of the best ways to get promoted is to act like the leader you want to be. Take initiative. Mentor new team members. Volunteer for tough assignments. Do they have an internal military network? Join – or if they don’t, why don’t you set one up? When people start looking to you for direction, even if your title doesn’t say ‘manager’ – you’re already showing you’re ready for more responsibility.

Promotion in civvy life may not come with a ceremony or salute, but it brings something just as meaningful: recognition of your value, your growth, and your leadership. Keep showing up. Keep learning. And keep moving forward, just like you always have. Remember the values, resilience, and integrity you developed in the Armed Forces, own them. Don’t downplay your past, use it to propel your future.

Discover more of our guides in The Saluting Post.