John’s journey from the Armed Forces to Blue Light Card.
Inspired by his dad’s time in the army as a Warrant Officer, John began his career at 16 in the Royal Corps of Signals as a Telecommunication Systems Operator.
John told us: “I took the Oath of Allegiance in August 1989, I then left home to start my six months basic training at 11th Signal Regiment Helles Barracks Catterick Garrison North Yorkshire, before being posted to 8th Signal Regiment the Royal Signals Trade training School to complete my trade training.
“I learnt all aspects of the British Army’s fully digital, static, mobile and cryptographic field telecommunications system (Ptarmigan).”
After completing his trade training, John was posted to 22 Signal Regiment in Lippstadt, West Germany, where, alongside a lot of hard work, he met life-long friends, travelled and drank lots of beer.
Following time in Germany, John moved back to the UK and spent a couple more years in the army. He shared: “We became 3 UK Division 3 and Signal Regiment located at Picton Barracks Bulford Wilshire, just up the road from Stonehenge. We were training to be deployed to the former Yugoslavia Bosnia.”
John left the army in 1994.
Being a member of the armed forces gave John a very strong work ethic, where he developed leadership skills, the ability to work under pressure and solve problems quickly, a strong commitment to teamwork, and a strong sense of discipline and accountability.
“As you often join as a 16 year old or very young adult you grow up in the service, so these qualities and that strong work ethic never really leave you,” John added.
“These skill and qualities can easily be transferable into civilian employment.”
Since leaving the army, John has worked in electrical mechanical engineering, telecommunications, IT and security. He’s been part of the Blue Light Card team for just over two years, having been first attracted to the organisation due to it being built on giving back to the Blue Light and Armed Forces communities.
“I feel very proud to be working for Blue Light Card – I truly feel valued and appreciated. My strong work ethic, problem solving, teamworking and dedication come in to play every day.
“I would recommend Blue Light Card as Veteran-friendly employer, and all round great place to work.”