Service Overview

Clive Poole served in the Royal Air Force for 38 years, holding the role of Aerospace Systems Manager. His career began with basic training at RAF Swinderby and trade training at RAF West Drayton. Over the years, he was stationed at numerous key locations including RAF Neatishead, Saxa Vord, Bentley Priory, and the NATO Programming Centre in Belgium. He also served at RAF Buchan, Boulmer, Scampton, and Waddington, with overseas deployments to Iraq and three tours in the Falkland Islands.

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Inspiration to Join the RAF

Clive was inspired to join the military after watching news reports during the Falklands Conflict. The events unfolding at the time sparked a strong sense of purpose and a desire to serve.

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Career Highlights and Proud Moments

Among the many milestones in his career, Clive recalls two moments with particular pride. The first was his graduation from 8 Squadron, where he qualified as a Mission Crew on the AWACS and earned his Aircrew Brevet. The second was his promotion to Warrant Officer—a role that symbolised the culmination of years of dedication and leadership. He notes that every promotion throughout his career was a proud moment.

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Transition to Civilian Life

Clive’s transition to civilian life was straightforward. He moved into a role within a company whose customers were primarily military, allowing him to continue working in a familiar environment. This continuity made the shift from service to civilian work smooth and purposeful.

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Applying Military Experience in Civilian Work

Clive’s RAF experience continues to shape his civilian career. He emphasises the importance of maintaining the same discipline and professional standards he upheld in the military. His deep understanding of defence operations and the needs of military clients has proven invaluable in his current role.

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Core Values and Skills

The values Clive carried from his service—Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE)—remain central to his work today. He believes that continuing to apply these principles is key to success in any environment. His ability to understand customer expectations and frustrations from a military perspective gives him a unique advantage.​​

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Advice to Fellow Veterans

Clive encourages other veterans entering the civilian workforce to stay grounded in their service values. His advice is simple but powerful: “Never forget where you came from. Continue to apply the values that defined your service—RISE: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence.”