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At i3Secure, Mental Health Awareness Week is more than a campaign in the calendar; it is a reminder of the importance of connection, purpose, resilience, and support. With around two-thirds of our team coming from military backgrounds, the themes of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week resonate deeply across our business.
For many veterans, leaving the Armed Forces is not simply a career change. It is a major life transition that can affect identity, confidence, routine, and mental wellbeing. Military life provides structure, camaraderie, and a strong sense of purpose. Stepping away from that environment can leave people feeling uncertain about where they fit and how they adapt to civilian life. Access to strong veteran mental health support can play a vital role during this transition.
As former Royal Marine Andrew Milne describes:
“Leaving the military after years of living and breathing it is a strange experience. […] It’s not just a new job. It’s a whole new lifestyle.”
That transition can feel overwhelming at times. Veterans often find themselves navigating unfamiliar industries, different workplace cultures, and the loss of the close-knit support networks that military life naturally provides.
Andrew captures that experience honestly:
“For a time, you exist somewhere in between. No longer a Bootneck, not quite yet civilian. […] This can feel like you’re in free fall and leave you feeling entirely unsure about how or when you’ll adapt.”
These experiences are more common than many people realise. There can be pressure to simply “get on with it”, even when adjusting to civilian life brings genuine challenges around wellbeing, identity, and belonging.
The Human Side of Transition
At i3Secure, we understand that successful transition and effective veteran mental health support are about far more than employment. It is about community, support, and creating an environment where people feel understood.
Many veterans miss the camaraderie and shared purpose that came with military life. Former RAF serviceman Steen Stewart reflected on this after leaving the Forces:
“I missed the day-to-day camaraderie of being physically with my team.”
That feeling of losing connection or routine can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. However, as Steen also explains, rebuilding those support networks can make a huge difference:
“This peer support network was and still is invaluable, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that mirrored the close-knit nature of the military.”
Because so many members of our team have shared similar experiences, there is a natural understanding across the organisation. Veterans are surrounded by people who understand both the strengths and the challenges that can come with transition.
That shared experience helps create an environment where people feel comfortable asking for help, talking openly, and supporting one another without judgement.
Rebuilding Belonging and Purpose
One of the strongest protective factors for mental wellbeing is connection. Rebuilding a sense of belonging after military service can be critical during the transition into civilian careers.
Steen described discovering something familiar within i3Secure’s culture:
“One of the most heartening aspects of my new company was the discovery of a team ethos that closely resembles the camaraderie of the RAF. The company culture emphasises teamwork, mutual support, and a collective drive towards shared goals. This environment provided a sense of belonging and purpose that I feared might be lost after leaving the military.”
That sense of shared mission remains incredibly important. While the setting may change, the core values many veterans bring with them, including resilience, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and integrity, continue to thrive in civilian life and within cyber security.
As Andrew explains:
“The skills you think are just for the military are often the ones the civilian world needs most. The trick isn’t becoming someone new; it’s translating who you already are. […] The uniform comes off. The lessons don’t.”
Many veterans underestimate just how transferable their experience is. The mindset developed through service, staying calm under pressure, looking after others, and working towards a shared mission, remains highly valuable long after military life ends.
Supporting Mental Wellbeing Every Day
Mental health awareness is not about having a single conversation once a year. It is about creating a workplace culture where wellbeing is prioritised every day.
At i3Secure, that means recognising that everyone’s transition experience is different. Some people adapt quickly, while others need more time, structure, mentorship, or support networks around them.
Former RAF Police serviceman Craig MacPhail described the adjustment into civilian and remote working life as both rewarding and challenging:
“Transitioning from a structured military career to the dynamic civilian world is both challenging and rewarding.”
Like many veterans, Craig initially felt the loss of military camaraderie, but highlighted how important workplace culture and support were in helping him adapt:
“I initially missed the camaraderie of the RAF, but developing a structured routine, setting clear boundaries, and fostering virtual connections helped bridge the gap. i3Secure’s supportive culture and regular team interactions ensured I stayed engaged and productive.”
Creating space for regular conversations, mentorship, wellness check-ins, and team interaction helps foster an environment where people feel connected and supported, whether working remotely or face-to-face.
Steen also reflected on the importance of wellbeing support and work-life balance during transition:
“This newfound balance was further supported by the company’s emphasis on mental health and well-being. Regular wellness check-ins, virtual and face-to-face social events underscore i3Secure’s commitment to its employees’ overall wellbeing. This approach has not only enhanced my productivity but also contributed to a more positive and fulfilling work experience.”
Strength Through Shared Experience
One of the most powerful things veterans bring into civilian careers is perspective. Military experience develops resilience, calm under pressure, discipline, and the ability to work as part of a team; qualities that remain valuable long after service ends.
Equally important is the ability to support others through similar experiences.
At i3Secure, mentorship, shared understanding, and peer support are central to our culture. Many of our colleagues have navigated the same uncertainties around leaving service, adjusting to civilian careers, and rebuilding identity outside the military.
Steen reflects:
“The initial challenges of switching from office-based to home working were undoubtedly mitigated by the unwavering support of my colleagues; this ability to talk with likeminded people was critical in easing the transition into civilian life.”
As Craig advises others beginning that journey:
“Embrace your skills, lean on your network, and stay open to learning.”
Looking Ahead
Mental Health Awareness Week is an important opportunity to reflect, listen, and continue improving how we support one another.
To all veterans transitioning into civilian careers: your experiences, leadership, and resilience matter. Transition can feel uncertain, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
At i3Secure, we remain committed to building a culture that values openness, community, and long-term veteran mental health support, while helping veterans build rewarding careers beyond service.
If you are considering your own transition into cyber security or looking for a supportive team environment where your experience is valued, explore our careers page to learn more about opportunities at i3Secure.
