What is Armed Forces Day?

Taking place on the last Saturday of June each year, Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support to the Armed Forces Community; from those still serving and their families, to veterans and cadets.

It’s a day of recognition and a chance for communities to get together and say thank you – for the dedication, the sacrifices our military have made and will continue to make, and for the commitment they have shown to keep us safe.

Microlise is a proud business signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. With a number of former Armed Forces personnel already working within the business, we actively work to attract ex-military who wish to build long-term careers within the transport and logistics industry.

We want to use this day as an opportunity to recognise the incredible work the military do. Several ex-military employees within Microlise have shared their own stories on what Armed Forces Day means to them, including their background within the military.

Peter – Director of Defence, Security and NGO

“I served 15 years in the British Army as an Infantry Officer, seeing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leaving as a Major, I joined Microlise in 2014, after having worked closely with the business during my time in Defence Equipment Support. I now run the Microlise Defence Business, delivering solutions to meet some of the unique challenges faced by the Army, and in doing so we collectively contribute to safer and more secure military operations.

Armed Forces day to me is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work that the Armed Forces and Veterans alike do and have done. It also brings in to focus the contribution that Microlise is making to our wonderful military.”

Alex – Service Desk Team Leader

“Serving in the British Army has great sense of being part of something much larger than yourself, and for me it is a time to celebrate and reflect on this alongside friends and family that have and still do serve within the Military. Previously, we used this opportunity to engage with local communities. Today, it’s spent catching up with friends, whom I no longer live and work with on a daily basis.

Prior to joining Microlise, I was serving in the British Army from 2012 to 2022, within the Royal Corps of Signals. This opened the door for me to experience a wide range of roles and to serve alongside various other units on operations and various overseas exercises. I was also fortunate enough to experience what the military offer in terms of adventure training which included “jolly’s” to Cyprus and Spain on numerous occasions. I later switched my attention to the development of others after completing the All Arms Physical Training Instructors course, which landed me as the Regiments Lead PTI – overseeing the training and testing of individuals, ensuring they were fit for deployment. Having served up into my late 20’s, I decided it was time to leave and now live a more relaxed life with my partner Abby, Edie and our two dogs, Rolo and Norman.”

Ian – Information Security Officer

“Joining the RAF in 1999 after completing my A Levels, I was an Air Cadet prior to signing up so I had a good idea of what I was getting myself into. I trained and was employed as a Ground Electronics Technician (Telecoms), but as technology moved on so did the job title and requirements of the trade. We became CIS Techs then ICT Techs and Finally Cyberspace Communication Specialists. My goal was to complete 3 years’ service, travel the world and gain some life experience before settling down. That initial goal of 3 years’ very quickly turned into nearly a 23 year career! Postings within the RAF normally lasted between 3-5 years depending on the role. As my trade was so diverse with so many outputs and requirements, I had a very varied career.

I had many more highs than lows in my time in the RAF. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most professional, intelligent, and inspiring people I have ever met. Regularly delivering the mission requirement with limited resources on very tight time frames, but always delivering! Many comparisons can be made between the Armed Forces and Microlise; I have experienced the power and effectiveness of teamwork, the satisfaction of meeting goals, and the spirit to always deliver!

Armed Forces Day is a chance to celebrate the men and women of the British Armed Forces. It’s a chance to reflect on the history and traditions of each service, whilst taking stock of what’s been achieved and the challenges that lay ahead. I find a stark comparison between Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday, not just in the weather, but in the feelings of those that attend and the general atmosphere. Instead of a mood of sombre reflection, there’s always a feeling of celebration and gratitude. I am proud to have served. Would I do it all again? The simple answer is yes, in a heartbeat.

My son recently joined the RAF Air Cadets, and coincidentally with my old Squadron. I will be applying to become a Civilian Instructor this summer, looking to specialise in Cyber Security training and Duke of Edinburgh’s award assessment. The circle is complete… Per ardua ad astra – through adversity to the stars!”

James – Global Engineering Manager

“It’s nice to see the support and profile raised of the military as much as possible, supporting veterans and serving personnel throughout the world. The Middle East conflicts ceased to be publicised in 2014, and as such the general awareness of the forces has dropped off substantially. It’s good to highlight the selfless hard work currently going on all over the world, by recognising Armed Forces Day.

I joined the REME in 2009 as a Vehicle Mechanic, serving on the Olympics, in Canada, Oman and Belize before Afghanistan in 2014. Finally leaving for a change of scenery in 2017.  I met some of the best (and maddest) people I know when serving and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Since leaving the military, my best mate roped me into a Royal British Legion dinner, and as such we have done much of the same; explained our stories to them, etc. with the idea of enticing younger veterans / serving soldiers to get involved. The RBL does a huge amount for the armed forces community, so it something I would love others to learn about and take advantage of the huge services and events they offer.”

Stephen – Warehouse & Distribution Manager

“Joining at 17 years old straight from college, I served for 18 years in the Royal Air Force in Supply and Logistics Squadron. During my time in the RAF, I was fortunate enough to experience different cultures and visit countries all over the world such as; Canada, Italy, Germany, France, Al Minhad, USA, UAE, Australia and Afghanistan, to name a few! To me, Armed Forces Day is a day to remember the happy memories of people, past and present. Previously I supported SSAFA and Royal British Legion whilst serving and shortly after leaving.”

 

Hannah – Head of Recruitment

“Growing up with the military (a pad brat to those in the know!), the Armed Forces have always been a massive part of my life and still hold a special place in my heart! From as far back as I can remember, I’ve moved around from city to city, country to country, and met so many amazing people along the way.

As a child it was hard to understand why my dad was never around due to tours of Ireland, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Qatar… and the rest. Whilst we didn’t get to spend every Christmas together as a family, now I’m older wiser, I am proud to know my dad, and everyone I’ve met within the military, has had a part to play in making the world a better place. Whether that is promoting peace, tackling terrorism or supplying aid to those in need. I even did my small bit whilst working for the NAAFI (Navy, Army, Air Force Institutes), which took me on my own 8 month excursion to Afghanistan when I was 19.

My dad may no longer be serving, but my mum still works at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and keeps me updated on her daily shenanigans – so like many others, I don’t think you can ever fully detach yourself from the military. To me, Armed Forces Day is a chance to reflect, celebrate, recognise and take stock in all that the military do, and show support for those still serving, their families, and all ex-military personnel.”