{"id":46230,"date":"2026-06-24T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/?p=46230"},"modified":"2026-06-23T15:52:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T14:52:55","slug":"veterans-facilities-management-transition-ocs-armed-forces-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/news\/veterans-facilities-management-transition-ocs-armed-forces-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting the Transition: Why Veterans Thrive in Facilities Management"},"content":{"rendered":"    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c586b\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The skills that military service builds\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0disappear when\u00a0the\u00a0uniform\u00a0is hung up. Resilience, adaptability, the ability to lead and communicate under pressure, these are exactly the qualities civilian employers value. Yet many service leavers step into civilian life underestimating what they bring, and without the confidence or support to help them recognise it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carl-gage-mbifm-tech-iosh-ex-royal-navy-88b03a33\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carl Gage<\/a> knows that experience firsthand. A former <a href=\"https:\/\/www.royalnavy.mod.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Royal Navy<\/a> Petty Officer, he\u2019s now Regional Director of <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/hard-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technical Services<\/a> at OCS and chairs the OCS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armedforcesnetwork.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Armed Forces Network<\/a>. His experience on both sides of the fence shapes his beliefs about how employers should support veterans, reservists and service leavers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>More than a Specialism<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">One of the most persistent misconceptions about service leavers is that their skills are too specialised to transfer. Carl hears it often.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5c4e\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cPeople often think that military skills are highly specialised. But there are lots of transferable skills. Not only was I a chef in the Royal Navy, but I was also a firefighter, because you don\u2019t call the fire brigade when you\u2019re out at sea. I was trained in damage control. I covered the firefighter strikes. The most important skill you can take away from that is adaptability. There\u2019s nothing that can be thrown at you that you can\u2019t overcome.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5c9d\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW160456722 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW160456722 BCX0\">Alongside adaptability, Carl points to communication as a skill the military sharpens in ways that prove directly useful in <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/total-facilities-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FM<\/a>. Serving on a ship, he\u2019d move between conversations with the most junior crew members and the ship\u2019s captain in the same day, pitching each one at the right level. That instinct, to read a situation and adjust, translates directly into client management, stakeholder engagement, and leading teams under pressure.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5d52\" data-animate-container=\"images\"  class=\"grid gap-10 lg:gap-4 grid-cols-1  lg:grid-cols-2  \">\n                    <div class=\"grid gap-4 group\" data-animate=\"image\" data-animate-container=\"text\" >\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px] relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Carl-Gage-OCS-768x768.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Carl-Gage-OCS.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Carl-Gage-OCS.jpg\" class=\"group-hover:scale-110 transition duration-150 ease-in w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"A man with short dark hair and a trimmed beard is wearing a blue checked shirt and an orange lanyard, standing against a plain light-coloured background, smiling slightly at the camera.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div data-animate=\"image\" data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"grid gap-4 group\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px] relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/aea4fb96-499b-4d07-94da-4c9b7f211e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/aea4fb96-499b-4d07-94da-4c9b7f211e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/aea4fb96-499b-4d07-94da-4c9b7f211e6d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"group-hover:scale-110 transition duration-150 ease-in w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"Two Images of Carl Gage: On the left as a Naval Chef, on the right working in Facilities Management\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5d99\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <h3>Service is Service<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">What drew Carl to <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/knowledge-hub\/what-is-facilities-management-an-overview-of-the-service-and-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">facilities management<\/a> was something straightforward: the fundamental job is the same.<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5e29\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cProviding a service is something we do, whether that\u2019s a service for the ship\u2019s company or whether we\u2019re providing services to a customer. It\u2019s a service provision.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5e7f\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\">The day-to-day reality of FM mirrors military life in ways that only become\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\">apparent<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\">\u00a0once\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\">you\u2019re<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW103758945 BCX0\"> in it. Plans change. Priorities shift. Equipment fails at inconvenient times.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5eed\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cEvery day is different in the military, and it is in FM. While you might wake up in the morning with your day mapped out and planned, that seldom ever actually happens. It enables us to think quickly on our feet, prioritise, and not get flustered when things don\u2019t go the way we planned.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5f27\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW260895253 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260895253 BCX0\">That composure under pressure plays out directly in Carl\u2019s work. When a significant building incident hits &#8211; a major leak, a fire, a critical piece of equipment going down, he describes something that kicks in without thinking. People around him may be unsure of what to do, but he finds himself naturally taking control, bringing people together, and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260895253 BCX0\">establishing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW260895253 BCX0\"> a clear response.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5f89\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cYou understand how to communicate at the right levels. The client has confidence in you because you are confident in what you\u2019re saying. You manage expectations, and you deliver on what you say you\u2019re going to do.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c5fc8\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <h3>The Reality of Transition<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Skills are one part of the picture. Confidence is another.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For many service leavers, the military has been their entire adult working life, providing structure, purpose and a clear sense of direction. When that framework falls away, the adjustment can be harder than expected, regardless of how capable the individual is. Many go straight from education into the armed forces. Their professional identity has been shaped entirely within a military environment, and stepping into something unfamiliar can feel unsettling even for people with strong records.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Adapting to civilian workplace culture was one of the steeper parts of Carl\u2019s own learning curve. The way people are led and motivated outside the military is different, and he is open about the fact that adjusting took time and self-awareness.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c6035\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cFor me, that\u2019s one of the key things: making sure we give service leavers the confidence in coming into something completely new to them but also making sure we\u2019re supporting the transition in the best way we can, to make it as seamless as possible.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c606e\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW81950228 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW81950228 BCX0\">Employers have a real role to play. Without the right support, even the most capable service leaver can find themselves undervalued, underconfident, or simply invisible within a new organisation. Recognising what veterans bring, creating space for that adjustment, and connecting people with others who understand the experience, matters. It can be the difference between a service leaver who settles quickly and one who struggles to find their footing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c60ab\" data-animate-container=\"images\"  class=\"grid gap-10 lg:gap-4 grid-cols-1  lg:grid-cols-2  \">\n                    <div class=\"grid gap-4 group\" data-animate=\"image\" data-animate-container=\"text\" >\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px] relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Royal-Navy-Defence-2-768x768.jpg\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Royal-Navy-Defence-2-1024x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Royal-Navy-Defence-2-1024x1024.jpg\" class=\"group-hover:scale-110 transition duration-150 ease-in w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"The image shows the upper deck and command tower of a naval aircraft carrier against a blue sky with wispy clouds. Aerials, railings, and equipment are visible on the ship\u2019s structure.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div data-animate=\"image\" data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"grid gap-4 group\">\n                <picture class=\"h-[400px] relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/7e5ce931-74d4-4a39-a800-90f06557462d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/768x768\/\" media=\"(max-width: 640px)\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/7e5ce931-74d4-4a39-a800-90f06557462d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ucarecdn.com\/7e5ce931-74d4-4a39-a800-90f06557462d\/-\/format\/auto\/-\/quality\/smart\/-\/preview\/1024x1024\/\" class=\"group-hover:scale-110 transition duration-150 ease-in w-full h-full object-cover object-center rounded-3xl\" alt=\"A worker wearing a high-visibility jacket, helmet, and holding a clipboard is adjusting controls on a large panel in an industrial setting. Pipes and machinery are visible in the background.\">\n                <\/picture>\n\n                            <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c60f0\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <h3>Building Support at OCS<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That is precisely the gap the OCS Armed Forces Network exists to close.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The network supports veterans, reservists, military families, service\u00a0leavers\u00a0and cadet\u00a0volunteers across OCS. Its purpose is to\u00a0ensure that anyone with a connection to the armed forces community has a place to turn\u00a0to, people who understand their experience,\u00a0creating\u00a0a sense of belonging within the organisation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The value of that peer connection extends further than might be expected. Veterans\u00a0who\u2019ve\u00a0experienced high-pressure environments carry knowledge about resilience and mental health that has real value across the whole workforce.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c6157\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cIt\u2019s about passing things like that on, and vice versa. Working together and working collaboratively.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c61a3\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The response from colleagues has surprised even Carl. Messages have come in from across the UK from people keen to share that\u00a0they&#8217;re\u00a0ex-forces and wanting to get involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The network is already changing what Carl can see inside the business.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">&#8220;I&#8217;m speaking to people I would never have spoken to before, and it&#8217;s making me aware of how many of our current colleagues are ex-forces.&#8221;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3>Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">OCS is committed to building genuine, lasting support for veterans, reservists, military\u00a0families\u00a0and service leavers. That commitment is reflected in both its Armed Forces Covenant pledges and the work being done through initiatives such as the Armed Forces Network. The business currently holds\u00a0Silver\u00a0status under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/defence-employer-recognition-scheme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Defence Employer Recognition Scheme<\/a>, with\u00a0Gold\u00a0recognition representing a longer-term ambition as OCS continues to strengthen its support for the armed forces community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Longer-term ambitions for the network include a mentoring programme and a work experience pathway, giving people the chance to explore a career in FM before committing to it fully. The aim is for OCS to be genuinely visible to people approaching the end of their military service, as an employer that understands where\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0come from and what they bring.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>To Anyone Still Serving<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Carl\u2019s message to\u00a0serving personnel considering whether FM is\u00a0their\u00a0next step.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c621f\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"px-4 py-8 md:px-8 relative overflow-hidden rounded-3xl\" style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA ;\">\n        <svg class=\"text-[#d6d6e8] absolute -top-[31px] -right-[52px] w-[280px] h-[280px] md:-top-[35px] md:-right-[68px]\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 345 348\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n            <g fill=\"currentColor\" opacity=\".1\">\n                <path d=\"M37.763 65.46 64.38 38.674a173.12 173.12 0 0 1 21.277-14.72L23.135 86.87a174.285 174.285 0 0 1 14.628-21.41ZM4.894 131.987c.777-3.131 1.639-6.228 2.582-9.289l113.785-114.5a170.68 170.68 0 0 1 9.231-2.6L4.894 131.987ZM.068 163.603c.147-2.442.344-4.87.59-7.284L154.672 1.336c2.399-.248 4.812-.446 7.239-.594L.068 163.603ZM.444 189.985A176.37 176.37 0 0 1 0 183.742L181.924.674a173.1 173.1 0 0 1 6.204.447L.444 189.985ZM4.071 213.09c-.415-1.83-.8-3.672-1.158-5.524L205.6 3.606c1.841.359 3.671.747 5.49 1.165L4.071 213.09ZM10.127 233.758a173.1 173.1 0 0 1-1.713-4.967L226.692 9.141c1.656.55 3.301 1.125 4.935 1.723l-221.5 222.894ZM18.155 252.44a173.983 173.983 0 0 1-2.175-4.502L245.72 16.755a171.56 171.56 0 0 1 4.473 2.188L18.155 252.44ZM27.888 269.407a175.49 175.49 0 0 1-2.583-4.091L262.988 26.139c1.368.847 2.723 1.714 4.065 2.599L27.888 269.407ZM39.168 284.817a173.977 173.977 0 0 1-2.96-3.712L278.679 37.11c1.244.976 2.474 1.969 3.689 2.978l-243.2 244.729ZM51.912 298.754a174.74 174.74 0 0 1-3.32-3.348L292.89 49.571a174.152 174.152 0 0 1 3.327 3.342L51.912 298.754ZM66.1 311.237a174.123 174.123 0 0 1-3.684-2.984l243.241-244.77a174.342 174.342 0 0 1 2.965 3.706L66.099 311.237ZM81.765 322.234a172.453 172.453 0 0 1-4.059-2.605l239.255-240.76c.882 1.348 1.745 2.71 2.59 4.084L81.765 322.234ZM99.006 331.645c-1.501-.711-2.99-1.443-4.466-2.196L326.72 95.808a172.535 172.535 0 0 1 2.182 4.494L99.006 331.645ZM118.002 339.29a172.923 172.923 0 0 1-4.927-1.732L334.779 114.46a173.589 173.589 0 0 1 1.72 4.958L118.002 339.29ZM139.057 344.863a171.346 171.346 0 0 1-5.48-1.176L340.87 135.091c.418 1.828.807 3.666 1.168 5.515L139.057 344.863ZM162.689 347.844a172.903 172.903 0 0 1-6.19-.461l188.043-189.226c.189 2.066.342 4.143.458 6.229L162.689 347.844ZM189.868 347.253c-2.391.241-4.797.432-7.216.572l162.33-163.351a175.2 175.2 0 0 1-.569 7.262L189.868 347.253ZM223.135 340.537a170.58 170.58 0 0 1-9.181 2.549l126.318-127.112a173.708 173.708 0 0 1-2.533 9.239L223.135 340.537ZM278.57 311.515a173.062 173.062 0 0 1-20.231 13.668l64.142-64.545a174.297 174.297 0 0 1-13.583 20.358l-30.328 30.519Z\" \/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n                <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative grid gap-8 md:gap-6\">\n                            <p data-animate=\"prose\"  class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav text-[26px] md:text-[22px] font-medium leading-[34px] md:leading-[30px] -tracking-[0.5px] text-crop\">\n                    \u201cI thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military. It was exciting, challenging, rewarding, and every day was different. Working in facilities management is very much the same. It brings variety, challenge, and real excitement. The opportunities within FM are massive.\u201d                <\/p>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c6271\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\" >\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" data-animate-container=\"text\"             class=\"text-[#475467] prose-h1:font-semibold prose-h1:mb-10 prose-headings:font-medium prose prose-ocs prose-li:pl-0 w-full max-w-none\n        \"\n            style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;\">\n            <div data-animate=\"prose\" >\n                <p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW19645722 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW19645722 BCX0\">FM spans technical services, <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/security-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">security<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/catering-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">catering<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/services\/commercial-cleaning-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cleaning<\/a>, and much more. The diversity mirrors the range of careers the armed forces offer. Veterans already have what FM demands: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under pressure. What the OCS Armed Forces Network is working to\u00a0further\u00a0build is the support structure that makes the transition feel less daunting, so that the next generation of service leavers can find their footing faster, with people around them who understand where they&#8217;ve\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed GrammarErrorHighlight SCXW19645722 BCX0\">come<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW19645722 BCX0\"> from.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n    <section id=\"block_acf-block-6a3a9dc6c6595\" data-animate-container=\"waterfall\"  class=\"rounded-3xl \">\n        <div data-animate=\"item\" class=\"group relative flex flex-col lg:flex-row-reverse \">\n                        <div class=\"relative w-full lg:w-1\/2 aspect-[3\/2] lg:h-auto rounded-t-3xl lg:rounded-tl-none lg:rounded-r-3xl\">\n                                    <div class=\"relative overflow-hidden h-full rounded-t-3xl lg:-ml-10 lg:rounded-l-none lg:rounded-r-3xl\">\n                        <picture>\n                            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Manufacturing-Facilities-Management-OCS-Hard-Services-Colleagues-1024x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpg\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/app\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Manufacturing-Facilities-Management-OCS-Hard-Services-Colleagues-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Could Facilities Management Be Your Next Mission?\" class=\"group-hover:scale-110 transition duration-150 ease-in object-cover w-full h-full rounded-t-3xl lg:rounded-l-none lg:rounded-r-3xl\" \/>\n                        <\/picture>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n            <div data-animate-container=\"text\"  class=\"relative flex flex-col w-full lg:w-1\/2 gap-8 -mt-8 lg:mt-0 p-6 md:px-10 md:py-12 bg-ocs-orange-lightest rounded-3xl\"  style=\"background-color: #F6F6FA\" >\n                                                    <h2 data-animate=\"heading\" class=\"text-ocs-gray-nav font-medium text-[28px] leading-[38px] text-crop\">\n                        Could Facilities Management Be Your Next Mission?                    <\/h2>\n                                                                        \n<a data-animate=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/careers\/\" class=\"w-fit mt-4 lg:mt-0  relative inline-block text-[16px] px-5 py-3 rounded-full focus:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 ring-ocs-black  btn-primary \"  target=\"_self\" >\n    Careers <\/a>                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Carl Gage on why veterans thrive in facilities management, the transferable skills military service develops, and how the OCS Armed Forces Network supports service leavers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":10000027522,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[323,291,54],"tags":[214,53],"country":[],"class_list":["post-46230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers","category-hard-services","category-our-people","tag-hard-services","tag-our-people"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - 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