From Royal Marine to High-Risk Rescue Hero: How Tommy Transformed His Military Skills Into a Life-Saving Career

Tommy came to SA Safety after the company was recommended to him by former colleagues from the armed forces. He completed the necessary Confined Space training at our C&G accredited training facility and then joined the SA Safety Rescue Team to work on high-risk sites across the southwest.

I joined the Royal Marines in 1986 because it was all I ever wanted to be. I wanted to work in a specialist forward reconnaissance role by becoming a Royal Marines Mountain Leader. I served in total 37 Years, 30 in the regular Royal Marines and 7 in the Royal Marines Reserve. I always wanted to be a professional Commando and specialise as a Royal Marines Mountain Leader, which is what I did. I feel that I was conditioned and trained to a very high standard with particular focus on 'attention to detail', getting things right and looking after your people. I enjoyed my time exercising on skis in the arctic circle and whilst operationally deployed around the world, but I think my best experience was Royal Marine Training, and the best achievement was becoming a Royal Marine and passing out of training. Since then I have enjoyed and ’survived’ many challenges which have given me progressive skills and achievements.I joined SA Safety in 2023. The working environment, expert training and camaraderie were all highlighted to me by former colleagues from the armed forces, and it is a company where I feel most welcomed and entrusted since joining. I have now completed my training and have been part of a confined space rescue team operating at Langage Power station. I’m currently awaiting security clearance to be able to support the company working at HMNBD.

The skills and experience I gained as a Royal Marines Mountain Leader lends itself well to the spectrum of safety work carried out and provided by SA Safety. In terms of transferable skills, I feel that a considerable spectrum of attributes required to be a specialist operator in the military map across most effectively to working at SA Safety. This would include working in a small team of professional people, problem solving in access and recovery of casualties, and using plans and equipment provided, as well as tasks like maintenance of equipment and giving feedback to the SA Team of any deficiencies as well as highlighting or advising on any equipment or tech upgrades to the service provided by SA Safety.

What I enjoy most about working for SA Safety is the camaraderie, and the enjoyment from working with likeminded professional operators. I would definitely advise service leavers to consider working for SA Safety. The conditions of service and the working environment are well suited to military and blue light veterans with the requisite training, skills, and appetite for the work.

For more about how SA Safety support the Armed Forces community and to apply for an opportunity, visit SA Safety's profile.