From soldier to prison officer: why supporting veterans matters

By Rob Wild, West Midlands Service Manager and member of Pact’s Arms Forces Covenant team  

I served for 14 years with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and completed 10 operational deployments around the world. After leaving the military, I joined the Prison Service. It was there that I experienced something that genuinely shocked me. 

I found myself encountering former soldiers I had commanded and served alongside, not as colleagues, but as prisoners in the very establishments where I worked. 

Today, veterans are estimated to account for around 3.6% of the prison population in England and Wales, representing around 3,000 people. Behind every one of those statistics is a person who once committed themselves to serving their country, and often a family living with the consequences of their imprisonment. 

The challenges don't always end when service does 

For many veterans, the transition from military life to civilian life can be extremely challenging. Moving from an environment characterised by purpose, structure, camaraderie and high-adrenaline responsibility to everyday civilian life can leave many feeling isolated and disconnected. 

Many veterans are more likely to have experienced traumatic situations that most people will never encounter. These experiences can leave lasting psychological scars, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Too often, individuals suffer in silence, unwilling or unable to talk about what they have experienced, allowing that trauma to grow into something even more damaging. 

I understand these challenges because I have lived them myself. The transition was not easy, and I struggled with my mental health for many years after leaving the military. Even today, there are challenges that remain. 

However, the support I have received has been instrumental in helping me build a positive and fulfilling life. I have been fortunate enough to receive that support, whilst many veterans within the prison system do not have the same opportunities. 

The impact on families 

The impact is rarely limited to the individual. Families often struggle with the transition too. Moving from the stability of military employment to civilian life can create financial pressures and uncertainty. Financial hardship places enormous stress on relationships and can contribute to family breakdown, which in some cases can lead people towards criminal behaviour. 

Children may also be affected, displaying disruptive behaviour at school while teachers and support staff remain unaware of the challenges taking place at home. 

Why recognition matters 

Having seen other groups and cohorts receive recognition and support, I felt strongly that veterans deserved the same consideration. This inspired me to become involved with veteran support groups within the prisons where I worked. That was the beginning of my journey supporting veterans in custody. 

After six years as a Prison Officer and Manager, I moved to work within the Visitors' Centre. During this time, I organised the first veterans' event the prison had ever held. I engaged with representatives from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, encouraging them to come into the prison to speak with veteran prisoners and remind them that they had not been forgotten. The event brought together serving personnel, prisoners' families, the prison chaplain, a bugler, a flag bearer and the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, creating a powerful demonstration of recognition and support. 

These men and women have already sacrificed greatly in service to their country. When they leave the Armed Forces, many discover that the support they need is not always readily available. 

Sometimes, the simplest acts of recognition, a smile, a handshake, a conversation, or taking the time to listen, can make a significant difference. 

What joining the Armed Forces Covenant means 

Pact's decision to join the Armed Forces Covenant represents a commitment to supporting veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families. It shows that Pact recognises the unique experiences and challenges faced by the Armed Forces community and is committed to ensuring they receive fair treatment, understanding and support. 

It also reflects something we see every day through our work: behind many veterans are partners, children, parents and loved ones who have also been affected by the demands of service life. 

I believe this is an extremely positive step for Pact, one that demonstrates a genuine commitment to recognising and supporting those who have served. 

This Remembrance Sunday 

This Remembrance Sunday, we remember all those who have served, and the families who have served alongside them. 

We also recognise that support shouldn't end when military service does. Veterans and military families can face significant challenges long after service has ended, and they deserve to be recognised, understood and supported. 

That's why Pact joining the Armed Forces Covenant matters to me.