Three years after my medical discharge from the British Army

6th Feb 2018 marked my last day in the British Army. I was 600 nautical miles off the coast of South America and reflecting on my time in the military and my medical discharge.

I loved every minute of my time in the Army, I never would have left if I hadn’t of been medically discharged. I was adamant I wouldn’t become bitter about my discharge and 3 years on I’m really proud to say that I’m totally at peace with it - I’m just so grateful for the time I was able to spend in the military and to be able to meet so many awesome and inspiring people. The Army gave me more than I ever could have imagined; a trade, life experience, confidence, sport, competition, friends for life and not forgetting an amazing girlfriend and for that I am forever thankful.

It’s not been a smooth ride transitioning out of the Army and it’s certainly had it’s ups and downs with plenty of uncertainty but I’ve been extremely lucky and had incredible support around me (you know who you are). The last 3 years has been an epic adventure in itself and I now have my own business doing what I love and for that I will always be grateful.

I’ll leave you with an extract from my log on 6 Feb 2018: “Day 57, Tuesday 6th Feb: Today’s my last day in the Army and I’m genuinely sad to be leaving. I’m in the middle of the Atlantic and I haven’t really got a plan as to what I want to do next. Though, at the same time I think I know quite a few things I don’t want to do so it’s not like I’m at square 1 exactly. It’s also a very exciting time. I’m 27, just leaving the military having had the most awesome 5 years, I’ve got an amazing girlfriend, the most supportive family and the world is my oyster. I’m at a cross roads in my life and there’s so many options and routes to take and choose from. The important thing I need to remember is that there’s no wrong answer and often the most interesting people I’ve met in life don’t know exactly what they want to do yet they still do really interesting and awesome things. If this row has taught me anything it is that life is an adventure and you’ve just got to make the most of it.”

Photo Credit: Chris Shirley