Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Employment after leaving the UK Armed Forces - Full Report.
Abstract: Previous research studies have highlighted that Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) face particular challenges transitioning to civilian employment due to a variety of factors, including lower educational levels and a lack of confidence in translating military experience to civilian employers. The Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick, along with QinetiQ and RFEA, the Forces Employment Charity, were commissioned by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) to examine the transition of SNCOs from all three Services into civilian employment (including full/part-time, self-employment, volunteering, or a combination of these) and to contribute to FiMT’s evidence base to understand this particular group’s unique transition challenges. The research seeks to fill the current gap in knowledge and to contribute to policy-making and improved service delivery.
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.