As part of Armed Forces Day, we sat down with Chris Rowe, our Head of Talent Acquisition and former veteran, to discuss his journey from military service to his current role at DHU Healthcare. Chris shared his experiences, challenges and how DHU Healthcare supports veterans within the organisation.
Chris reflected on his early ambitions, saying, "As a kid, I was always interested in being a cowboy or a soldier. I wasn't particularly engaged with the education system, preferring to play outside and explore. When work experience came around, I applied to join the army but was not successful. I ended up working in a factory in Coventry, realising quickly that it wasn't the future I was looking for.
"After discussing with my parents, I visited the careers office in Coventry. I was handed brochures and flyers from various regiments. There was a test called a BARB test, which assessed your technical and comprehension skills. I scored highly and chose the career path of an Aircraft Technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). I quickly realised that this wasn’t the right career choice for me and rebadged to the Royal Military Police.
“A whole new world…”
“It was a comfortable transition, even though there were significant changes. I went from having a bedtime to having a strict set of rules. I went from having a family life to a 24-man room. At 17 years old, there were men almost twice my age with a lot of life experience that I couldn’t comprehend. It was a whole new world.”
Discussing his deployment to Iraq, Chris revealed the profound impact it had on him, adding: "I had never been on a plane before or travelled abroad for a sunny holiday. Landing in Iraq was a game-changing experience. The challenges and risks were very real, it was hard being away from home facing the harsh realities of a conflict zone, and for me, there was nothing to go back to. I didn't want to return to my childhood home or work in a box factory. I was fully committed to what I was doing."
Despite the hardships, Chris found solace in the camaraderie he discovered within the military. "For the first time in my life, I found a place where I fitted in. I wasn't a lonely kid anymore. I saw others struggle and drop out, but I persevered. The physical demands and the military culture became a part of me.
“Hit me hard”
"Transitioning from military service to civilian life was undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods for me. After leaving the service, I moved to Jersey to live with my partner where the lack of real-world experience hit me hard. It was a stark contrast to the structured environment I was accustomed to during my military service. I had to navigate unfamiliar territory, from finding employment to adapting to civilian routines.
“However, it was through these challenges that I grew the most. I had to learn to rely on my resilience, adaptability and problem-solving skills that I learned in the military. This transition taught me the importance of seeking support, embracing new opportunities and continuously learning. It taught me more about myself as a person and I became able to articulate why I joined the Army, why I left and importantly who I am today.
“Now, as part of DHU Healthcare, I bring not only my military background but also my firsthand understanding of the difficulties faced during this transition. As a representative of our HR team, these skills have allowed me to support, guide and coach our colleagues with a different perspective on the challenges we face at times. Serving in the military was an exhilarating life experience; being able to use this narrative to support others is an absolute privilege.
“Reconnecting with a sense of direction”
"The military taught me the importance of recalibrating and finding your way when things go off track. In orienteering, the first rule is to go back to where you remember last, reassess and start again. It's not about admitting failure, but reconnecting with that sense of direction. I try to apply this logic to both the corporate and personal landscape, allowing me to rationalise problems more easily. It's hard to give yourself advice sometimes and not beat yourself up, but we don't need to do that in this business. At DHU, we're creating an environment where it's okay to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow. Being a veteran in DHU is unique because it's okay to share or not share, to absorb or take as much as you need.”
At DHU Healthcare, we are committed to supporting veterans like Chris. Through our participation in the Armed Forces Covenant, we provide opportunities, understanding and flexibility to those who have served. Chris's journey from the military to his current role at DHU Healthcare is a testament to the organisation's dedication to supporting and empowering veterans.
As we celebrate Armed Forces Week, let's honour the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, past and present. DHU Healthcare proudly stands with veterans, ensuring they have a meaningful and fulfilling career beyond their military service.