Leaving the Armed Forces after more than two decades can feel daunting. For John, it meant stepping out of the only world he’d ever known and rebuilding a civilian identity from the ground up. His path into cyber security is a story of preparation, community, and realising the strengths he’d been using his whole life.
A life built around service
For John, the Army wasn’t just a career choice; it was part of his identity from birth. “My father was in the military, so from the very start, I was part of that world. “It was something I always wanted to do. I went to Army cadets, my school work experience was with the Royal Military Police, it was my passion.”
In 2002, aged 17, John enlisted, training at Winchester before becoming a Challenger 2 tank driver.
Finding a hidden talent with technology
When John deployed to Afghanistan in 2008, the Army was transforming, rapidly moving from analogue to digital systems.
“I had no formal training. I just jumped onto the platform and figured out how it all worked. It was there I realised I had a natural gift for communications and radios.
“My training laid the foundations for everything I do now.”
From that moment, John’s career took on a new focus. He completed an Advanced Signals course, became an instructor, and was promoted to Sergeant. His interest in information security deepened, leading him into risk, compliance, IT administration and, eventually, a role as a Bowman Systems Manager responsible for connecting more than 300 technical platforms.
Innovation through service
Across his 23-year Army career, John became known for improving systems and solving problems others hadn’t yet spotted yet.
“I love efficiency. At one point, I was tasked to build a small team, train them in coding and data analytics, and find untapped potential in our unit.”
Some of the tools they developed were eventually adopted by the Army, a testament to his creativity and drive.
“That’s what I enjoyed most – being innovative and finding solutions to problems people didn’t even realise were there.”
Preparing early for a new future
John started planning for his transition to civvy street four or five years ahead. He completed a long list of technical qualifications — from CompTIA A+ to CISM and ISO 27001 — using free Armed Forces learning resources.
A friend encouraged him to join TechVets, a service delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, and it proved to be a turning point.
“When I joined the Discord server, I was blown away. The community, the support, the access to courses and advice. Everyone was so willing to help.”
Taking the first big steps
It was the Cognizant x TechVets: Get into Tech event that changed everything for John.
There, he met a VodafoneThree recruiter. He registered his details on the talent portal, and a few months later, the opportunity he’d been working towards appeared – a cyber security role just 30 minutes from home. He started in August 2025, only weeks after beginning his termination leave from the Army.
“The transition’s been really smooth. The military community at VodafoneThree is amazing. They’ve made it easy to adapt.”
Skills recognised and valued
John’s hiring manager, Mick Curnock, Customer Account Security Manager, quickly saw the strengths he brought:
“His expertise in information security, combined with his transferrable skills, made him stand out. During the interview, he gave clear, relevant responses that reflected both his experience and personal qualities. Can‑do’ attitude that’s often seen in ex‑military talent.
“Since joining VodafoneThree, he’s integrated seamlessly into the team, bringing a ‘can-do’ attitude that’s often seen in ex-military talent.”
Building a new life beyond the Army
Now settled in with his wife, Mel, and their two children, John is enjoying balance for the first time in years.
“The work life balance is brilliant. I get time with the kids, I’ve taken up running again, and I even get out metal detecting – a bit of a niche hobby, but I love it. Work‑life balance is brilliant. I get time with the kids, I’ve taken up running again, and I even get out metal detecting.”
Looking ahead
For John, the transition to tech wasn’t just a career change, it was proof of what a combination of military experience and civilian support can offer.
“Everything I learned in the Army – adaptability, integrity, and teamwork – has all helped me succeed in this new role. TechVets gave me the bridge to make it happen.”
