Service Overview

Sam Southwell served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years and one month as an Avionics Engineering Technician. His career took him to several key RAF stations including Cosford, Coningsby, Cottesmore, Marham, and Waddington. Over two decades of service, Sam developed deep technical expertise and a strong foundation in military engineering standards.

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Inspiration to Join the RAF

Sam’s passion for aerospace engineering was the driving force behind his decision to join the RAF. His ambition was clear from the start—he wanted to work on aircraft, and the RAF provided the perfect platform to pursue that goal.

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Career Highlights and Memorable Moments

When asked about standout moments from his service, Sam finds it difficult to choose; his career was filled with meaningful experiences, each contributing to his professional and personal growth.

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Transition to Civilian Life

Sam’s transition to civilian life was relatively smooth. He was able to secure a civilian role that still involved working closely with the military, which allowed him to apply the standards, ideologies, and ethics he had developed during his service. This continuity meant his transition was more of an evolution than a revolution, giving him time to adapt gradually to the differences of civilian life.

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Applying Military Experience in Civilian Work

Sam’s post-military roles have largely involved continued collaboration with the armed forces, making his military experience directly relevant. The standards and mindset he carried from the RAF remained applicable, and the support he received during his transition—through briefings and training—helped ease the process.

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Core Values and Skills

The values that have served Sam best in his civilian role include flexibility, a can-do attitude, trust, and above all, a sense of humour. These qualities have helped him navigate the challenges of engineering delivery and maintain strong working relationships across teams.

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Advice to Fellow Veterans

Sam’s advice to veterans entering the civilian workforce is simple and wise: “Be patient, be adaptable, and keep your sense of humour.” These traits, he believes, are essential for navigating the shift from military to civilian life.

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Final Reflections

Reflecting on his journey, Sam acknowledges that military life wasn’t always easy. The sound of an air raid siren or the signal for donning protective gear still triggers a momentary reaction. Yet, if given the chance to do it all again—with full knowledge of the challenges—he wouldn’t hesitate. “Yes,” he says, “I would still have joined.”