Soldiers in the workplace

“Yep, good enough to lay bricks at least”

That’s what the Naval Doctor said to me upon completion of my physical exam. It was my final week as a Royal Marines Commando. The physical was to make sure they hadn’t damaged me enough to warrant a law-suit.

As it happens, everything was fine. But I’ll never forget that comment. Probably the same thing he says to every Marine he exams before they re-join the civilian world.

He said it like it was just matter-of-fact. As though it was common knowledge that Marines are good for two things: fighting and lifting things.

Not that there’s anything wrong with brick-laying. But I wonder how many Marines leave the service without achieving their potential, simply because without a rifle, manual labour is all they’re good for.

In fact, while I think about it, how many employers share the same feeling as that Naval Doctor who was so quick to dismiss me?

This is a problem I’d like to correct. Perhaps you’re a former Marine (or any veteran really) in need of a confidence boost. Or maybe you’re an employer who doesn’t know any better.

Here are just a few reasons why a Royal Marine is capable of far more than just fighting and physical labour:

We hold ourselves to a higher standard…

Even if you know almost nothing about the armed forces, most people know that the Royal Marines are special. In fact, the Royal Marines Commandos are known across the world as one of its most revered fighting forces.

Our training is longer than any other infantry regiment in NATO, and arguably the toughest. It lasts for 32 grueling weeks, compared to just 10 for the army. Injuries are common due to the strenuous physical requirements, so training can go on for over a year in many cases.

In addition to tougher training, we make up the UK’s Joint Rapid Reaction force. This means we’re the first to be sent in when a conflict develops.

What you may not know, is that we do this for no additional pay.

That’s right, our training is longer, harder and takes far more of a strain on our bodies. Yet we do it for no additional financial reward.

A Marine is someone who, when given a choice of all the careers the armed forces offer, chose the hardest.

In short, when someone chooses to become a Royal Marine, he’s doing so purely out of a sense of professional pride. He’s doing so because he wants to be the best.

We HATE to lose

“You’re training to be Royal Marines now lads. And in the Marines, we win. No excuses, no pat of the back for giving it your best. We win or we die trying”

The Corporal shouted this at us as we did press ups in the rain. It was early in training, and they were laying down the law: It wasn’t good enough to simply try your hardest anymore. There were no trophies awarded for taking part.

“It pays to be a winner, lads” – words that are burnt into the minds of every Marine.

This concept is drilled into us throughout our careers as Commandos. Winners were rewarded, losers were punished.

You might think this only applies to the sort of life-or-death situations we see in the military, but exactly what industry exists where losing is OK? Whether you tried your hardest, or not?

If a sales professional doesn’t hit his number, he loses his job. If a CEO doesn’t bring profits, she’s out of there.

We try to shield our kids from this as they grow into adults. But the truth is that no-one cares about how hard you’re trying, only the results you deliver.

There’s not a single Marine who’s happy with second place. And he’ll fight tooth and nail for the top spot.

We know how to work hard

In the Marines, we’d often get offered work by company’s looking for an additional work force.

I once spent a weekend working at the Tate Modern during London Fashion week. A high-end designer was doing a show there, so the entire museum had to be turned into a giant catwalk.

We got this work (and were paid well for it) because the organisers knew they could give us any job and we wouldn’t stop until that job was done.

While others would stop every 10-20 minutes for a coffee/cigarette break. We would start the job and carry it through to completion. Every time.

Employers tell me I have a strong work ethic. But for me, it’s just normal: the work stops when—and only when—the task is complete.

We can handle pressure

As Marines, we’re expected to solve problems and successfully achieve our goals. We often do this with little to no sleep or food, and in high-pressure situations unlike anything faced by even the most high-powered CEO’s.

I’ve heard newly graduated students talk about their ability to “thrive under pressure” because they once pulled an all-nighter to finish an assignment. How cute…

So, if you’re a former Marine or soldier who feels like they have no place in the civilian world, remember you’re worth far more than you think. And for employers who find themselves sitting opposite one at your next interview, do yourself and your company a favour, and give them the job.