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"We see this as an excellent and intelligent initiative central to the wider debate of how to look after our rehabilitating service personnel as they begin their transition to civilian life."
- Senior Royal Navy Spokesman

"The experience and guidance I have received has enabled me to choose an alternative career in something I love doing, my only regret is that the excellent "Soldier On!" initiative was not available when I originally left the forces."
- Former SAS soldier, Amputee

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king" - JRR Tolkein

What's it all about?

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is managing the reality that it has to encourage a significant number of individuals, deemed unfit for duty or disabled to find alternative careers. As many as 6,000 individuals could potentially be affected overtime. This includes those very seriously injured such as the limbless, deaf, blind and those suffering from psychological disabilities acquired while safeguarding our interests through service in Afghanistan and Iraq, however it also includes a higher and equally deserving number who have acquired life-changing injuries through illness, the rigorous training and accident.

The Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force are putting in place a wider rehabilitation and transitional process and we will be working with them as part of this initiative.

However, this process will not be established over night and in the meantime "Soldier On!" aims to support today’s ’medically discharged’ former armed forces personnel who risk missing out on the support we offer.  In addition, we are committed to  helping all former Armed Forces personnel including those who left the services over two years ago and are no longer eligible for career guidance from the MoD partnering agreement with the Career Transition Partnership.  We do this via a network of executive search and recruitment companies who offer sector specific knowledge.

Whilst media attention focuses on Afghanistan, we must not forget that British servicemen and women of working age have been involved in many other conflicts and operations around the globe.  "Soldier On!" recognises the self-sacrifice of all former members of the Armed Forces but especially that of Armed Forces personnel  who have been left with life-changing injuries acquired during their service.

Through recognising the potential difficulties such people face, we aim to expand the breadth of opportunities available to clients and candidates alike. During many years working in recruitment we, and our clients, have always been amazed at the quality of former Armed Forces personnel. We are also very aware of the benefits to our candidates of having a meaningful career.

We offer to our clients a chance to make a real difference to the lives of wounded former members of the Armed Forces by taking part in our initiative. The initiative will allow clients to find high quality individuals with a range of qualifications whilst demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

"Soldier On!" offers three paths to candidates:

  1. Work experience - with clients offering short-term experience within their company. This allows an individual immediately to gain some insight to another industry.
  2. Permanent placements - with clients offering full time careers, with an offering of career training and prospects for future promotion and development within the company.
  3. Internships and placements - for those requiring long-term treatment with a view to returning to full operational duties. We will source temporary work placements fitting in to the rehabilitation programme. This will allow an individual to gain valuable insight and experience in an alternative career whilst undergoing long-term rehabilitation.