For many leaving the Armed Forces, a stable career path and a sense of purpose are paramount. The security and defence sectors offer those qualities in abundance.
From safeguarding people and infrastructure to supporting major defence programmes, these industries rely on vigilance, integrity and coordinated team work – attributes honed through military service.
A sector built on transferable skills
If you’ve planned convoy movements, enforced safety protocols or led teams under pressure, you already possess many of the core competencies valued in security and defence. Private security companies need personnel who are calm under pressure, capable of quick decision‑making and skilled at assessing risk; ex‑forces individuals fit naturally because they are trained to be disciplined, dependable and alert. Military training also builds leadership, teamwork and communication skills – qualities that translate directly to supervising security teams, managing control rooms or coordinating protective operations.
These sectors also draw heavily on organisational and technical expertise. Defence employers like Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) recruit project managers, engineers, logistics experts and business managers. Veterans accustomed to managing equipment fleets, coordinating supply chains or maintaining weapons systems are well suited to similar roles within defence manufacturing, maintenance or procurement.
Security roles as a civilian career
The private security industry is broad and growing. It encompasses corporate security, event and venue protection, close protection, maritime security and high‑risk zone operations. Veterans find these roles familiar because they often involve assessing threats, controlling crowds and safeguarding people or assets – responsibilities that mirror military duties. Demand for personnel with a service background remains high thanks to employers’ appreciation of discipline, reliability and the ability to perform under pressure.
In the UK, most front‑line private security jobs are regulated. Government guidance warns that anyone providing security services under a contract for services must hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence; working without one may be breaking the law. The licence is required if you will be carrying out “licensable activities” such as guarding premises, door supervision or close protection. Some in‑house security roles are exempt, but door supervisors and vehicle immobilisers must be licensed regardless of employer. Service leavers interested in roles such as corporate security officer, mobile patrol or event steward will therefore need to complete approved training and obtain the appropriate SIA licence.
Key skills developed in service – radio discipline, impeccable timekeeping, threat detection, resilience during night work and independent problem‑solving – are exactly what private security employers look for. Veterans also bring situational awareness, conflict‑resolution abilities and leadership experience, making them suitable for supervisory roles or specialist tasks like surveillance or close protection.
Defence careers: engineering, programmes and more
Beyond private security, the wider defence sector offers numerous opportunities. The UK’s defence industry supports around 239,000 direct and indirect jobs and is forecast to grow as government spending rises to 2.5 % of GDP from 2027. Skills England’s 2025 sector assessment notes that defence employers need craft skills such as electrical and mechanical engineers, welders and aircraft technicians, specialist skills like nuclear engineering and naval architecture, and “new” skills in digital, cyber and green technologies. Apprenticeships and graduate programmes are common entry routes; in 2022, 14 % of defence recruitment was apprenticeships and 8 % was graduates.
Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) recruits people across domains including Land, Air, Ships and Strategic Enablers. Roles range from project managers and engineers to logistics specialists and commercial managers. DE&S offers attractive benefits – a pension contribution of nearly 29 % of salary, flexible and hybrid working options, preservation of military leave allowance for recent leavers, up to 15 days paid reservist leave and funding for professional qualifications. The organisation participates in the Civil Service’s “Great Place to Work for Veterans” scheme; veterans who opt into this scheme during application progress directly to the interview or testing stage if they meet the essential criteria. DE&S also runs a Military Transition Scheme that offers fixed‑term paid roles without a formal interview, providing up to 23 months of civilian work experience, CV writing support and interview coaching.
Private defence companies are equally supportive. Babcock International has welcomed over 1,000 people from the armed forces community since 2023 and guarantees interviews for service leavers who meet minimum requirements. About 74 % of Babcock’s work supports the operational needs of the UK armed forces, and the firm emphasises a natural cultural fit because many employees are veterans. Babcock’s roles span engineering disciplines (from aerospace and software to naval architecture), skilled trades (e.g. electricians, riggers, vehicle mechanics), corporate functions and project management. Reservists receive up to 10 days of paid leave for training.
Missile‑system manufacturer MBDA UK is another example. It employs hundreds of service leavers and runs an 8‑ or 12‑week Military Transition Scheme for personnel in their final year of service. MBDA also supports Regular and Volunteer Reserves by granting up to two weeks of full‑pay leave for annual training. Both MBDA and Babcock are recognised among the top employers of veterans and hold gold awards under the Armed Forces Covenant.
Leadership and management opportunities
Security and defence organisations are structured environments where leadership and accountability are vital. Veterans who have supervised troops or managed complex operations often progress quickly to supervisory and management positions. In private security this might mean leading a team of guards, managing a control room or coordinating event security operations. In defence enterprises, opportunities include project or programme management, commercial management or functional leadership across engineering, logistics and corporate services.
Employers value the ability to enforce standards, communicate clearly and make decisions under pressure – hallmarks of military training. Babcock notes that many former service personnel find the cultural change minimal and appreciate working alongside colleagues with similar backgrounds. MBDA’s ex‑forces community and DE&S’s veteran programmes also provide mentoring and networking, helping veterans develop their civilian management careers.
Compliance, cyber and specialist roles
Security and defence jobs often involve compliance, safety and specialist tasks. In private security, risk management and adherence to regulation are essential. Roles such as compliance manager, health and safety officer or transport auditor suit veterans with experience enforcing standards or managing safety. Specific sub‑sectors like maritime security, high‑risk zone protection or close protection require additional expertise and may involve overseas deployment.
The defence industry increasingly needs digital and cyber talent. Skills England’s assessment identifies “new skills” such as digital, cyber and green technologies as growth areas. At the same time, a global shortage of about 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals means demand for cyber skills is surging. Veterans’ disciplined, analytical and risk‑management mindset makes them well suited to roles like security analyst, incident responder or penetration tester. They bring transferable attributes labelled “guardian” – ethical, reliable and motivated to protect customers – and their experience operating in command centres prepares them for positions such as security operations centre analyst or cyber operations manager. In addition to technical training, attention to detail and strong communication are indispensable.
Training, licences and funding
While military experience provides a strong foundation, civilians must meet industry‑specific qualification requirements. Obtaining an SIA licence usually involves completing an approved training course and demonstrating competency in areas like conflict management and physical intervention. Refresher training and a valid first‑aid certificate are required for licence renewal. Other security roles may require specialist qualifications such as close‑protection courses, maritime security certifications or NEBOSH health‑and‑safety awards.
Defence roles often require professional engineering or project management qualifications; many employers offer funding and study support. DE&S funds professional qualifications and membership of professional bodies, while Babcock and MBDA provide paid training time for reservist duties. Service leavers can also access the Ministry of Defence’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC). The scheme provides financial support for up to three separate financial years to help members and veterans pursue nationally recognised qualifications at Level 3 or above. To use this funding, you must be an approved scheme member and search for an accredited provider.
Finding opportunities
There is a wealth of support to help veterans navigate these sectors. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and the Forces Employment Charity offer job listings, advice and training workshops. Government guidance encourages veterans interested in the Civil Service to opt into the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme, which advances applicants straight to the interview or testing stage for most vacancies. DE&S and other departments participate in this initiative.
Industry events and recruitment fairs provide networking and direct access to hiring managers. The Forces Employment Charity’s “Pathways into Defence and Security” events bring together more than 16 employers and offer panel discussions, mentoring and tailored advice. Attendees can learn about a wide range of roles, engage with hiring managers, compare organisations and explore international opportunities. Veteran UK also runs career fairs focusing on private security; these events allow ex‑service personnel to meet recruiters and explore roles across corporate, maritime and close‑protection security.
Networking and professional associations, such as Babcock’s Forces Network or MBDA’s Armed Forces Community, help new joiners build contacts and find mentors. Organisations like the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and The Poppy Factory offer CV‑writing workshops, interview preparation and career coaching.
The security and defence sectors offer varied, rewarding paths for those leaving the Armed Forces. Whether you’re drawn to protecting people and assets, supporting complex engineering programmes or safeguarding digital systems, there is a role that values your discipline, leadership and sense of mission. With structured training, generous benefits and veteran‑friendly recruitment schemes, you can continue to serve – keeping communities secure and contributing to national defence long after your military service ends.
