How to Spot a Forces-Friendly Employer: 10 Signs to Look For

Looking for a job that truly values your military experience? Want a workplace that understands your unique needs as a veteran, reservist, or military spouse? In 2025, more and more companies are recognising the talents and skills of the Armed Forces community and offering tailored support. But how do you spot them?

Here’s the insider scoop on 10 undeniable signs that you’ve found a forces-friendly employer and why working for them could be your next best career move.

1. They Recognise the Value of Military Experience

Do you have leadership skills that could rival any CEO? Do you excel in teamwork and problem-solving? Forces-friendly employers see this as PURE gold. They’re actively hunting for veterans, reservists, and military spouses because they know you bring essential skills that make a difference.

These companies design roles that make the most of your military experience. Look out for job descriptions that say things like: “Military experience welcomed” or “Veterans, reservists, and military spouses encouraged to apply.” You’re not just another candidate — you’re a unique asset.

Take SA Safety. They are actively seeking out military talent because they recognise the value of discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. 

2. They Offer Tailored Training and Development Programmes

Worried about the skills gap between military life and civilian careers? Forces-friendly employers have your back. In 2025, many employers are rolling out exclusive training programmes to help you adapt and grow in your new career.

From tech to healthcare to finance, these organisations offer opportunities to upskill and retrain so you’re not left behind in your transition. Think: industry-specific courses, apprenticeships, and leadership programmes that ensure you thrive in a new sector.

A great example is the M&G Wealth Advice Academy, which provides tailored training to help you become a Financial Advisor. If cybersecurity is more your interest, SMJ Pathways offers specialist training courses to build your skills and connects you with forces-friendly employers who recognise and value your experience.

3. They Provide a Supportive and Inclusive Workplace Culture

Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like a whole new world. But with Forces-friendly employers, you won’t have to navigate it alone.

Look for companies that offer military employee resource groups (ERGs) or have mentoring schemes in place. These organisations are committed to making your transition as seamless as possible with people who genuinely understand your unique challenges. They offer open-door policies and peer support groups to ensure you’re welcomed with open arms. 

Many companies provide comprehensive support to support a smooth and successful transition into civilian employment. Leonardo, for example, offer a dedicated mentoring programme and NHS Scotland support the Armed Forces community with their Armed Forces Talent Programme which offers career development opportunities and dedicated recruitment support.

4. They Offer Benefits To Military Spouses

For military spouses, finding a job that accommodates your family life can be a real challenge. That’s why Forces-friendly employers go the extra mile with family-friendly benefits.

These companies offer everything from childcare assistance to relocation support and additional leave to wellness programmes — helping military families strike the perfect balance between work and home life.

NHS Scotland and Grundon are examples of employers who are keen to support military spouses. Take Morven, for example, a military spouse who found stability, purpose, and a new direction through NHS Scotland’s Armed Forces Talent Programme. Read her inspiring story here.

5. They Support Reservists in Balancing Civilian and Military Commitments

Forces-friendly employers not only welcome veterans and military spouses but often also go the extra mile in supporting reservists. These companies understand the unique demands placed on reservists, from regular training exercises to potential deployment. They offer flexible working arrangements, paid leave for training or mobilisation, and a supportive environment to ensure that reservists can balance their military commitments with their civilian careers. Many have policies in place to make it easier for reservists to return to work seamlessly after extended periods of service.

Tesco demonstrates its strong commitment to the Armed Forces through its Volunteer Reserve Forces and Veterans’ Policy, providing dedicated support to reservist employees. In addition, they proudly extend their backing to military spouses, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.

Leonardo is also setting the standard for reservist support, offering flexible leave and strong support systems to help employees thrive in both their military and civilian careers. Have a read of how one employee balances her work life with her reservist career and how the right support makes all the difference.

6. They Foster a Strong Sense of Purpose and Community

If you miss that sense of camaraderie and purpose you had in the military, Forces-friendly employers could be your answer. These companies often have a mission-driven work culture where the work you do feels meaningful and aligned with your values.

Many give to Service charities, participate in community initiatives, and offer opportunities for you to give back to the military community. These employers don’t just give you a job, they give you a purpose.

Companies like Leonardo, who collaborate with Combat Stress and Help for Heroes, and OCS, which partners with the Poppy Factory, are great examples of organisations that actively support Service charities. Alstom also supports charitable efforts by providing employees with dedicated days off to volunteer, with many of its veterans choosing to shake tins on Poppy Day.

7. They Are Proactive in Military Recruitment

Forces-friendly employers don’t just wait for military talent to find them — they actively seek it out. These organisations recognise the incredible value veterans, reservists, and military spouses bring to the workforce and design recruitment campaigns specifically targeting the Armed Forces community.

They partner with military-focused organisations like SaluteMyJob, CTP, Forces Employment Charity, and others to ensure they attract the right candidates. Many of these companies have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are proud recipients of Employer Recognition Scheme awards.

On Troopr’s directory of Forces-friendly organisations, you can easily filter for employers who have earned Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards for their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Each profile also highlights the specific pledges these companies have made, giving you an insight into their dedication and support for military talent.

8. They Celebrate Your Achievements and Military Background

Forces-friendly employers don’t just recognise your military experience — they celebrate it. Many go beyond simply hiring veterans, reservists and military spouses by actively showcasing their achievements within the company. From internal spotlights to military appreciation events, these organisations ensure that your service is valued and acknowledged. Some even host dedicated recognition programmes or awards to honour those who have served, reinforcing their commitment to the Armed Forces community.

One way companies show their appreciation is by nominating their employees for prestigious awards. The recent Scottish Ex-Forces Business Awards saw companies like BAE Systems, BT and SP Energy Networks putting forward their veteran employees for recognition, highlighting the immense value they bring to the workforce. Winning entries from Mott Macdonad, Cyber Prism, and others reflect how businesses are not only supporting but proudly championing their military talent.

Discover more about the Armed Forces champions making waves in Scottish Business and meet the 2025 award winners here.

9. They’ve Transformed Their Hiring Process to Welcome Military Talent

Forces-friendly employers understand that veterans and military spouses bring invaluable skills, even if their experience doesn’t always fit the traditional CV format. That’s why they train their hiring managers to recognise and translate military experience, ensuring no talent is overlooked.

Many of these companies go further by removing common recruitment barriers—simplifying application processes, providing CV translation support, and offering guaranteed interviews for veterans. Employers like Babcock and Landmarc offer a guaranteed interview scheme ensuring that military candidates get a fair shot, helping them step confidently into civilian careers.

10. They Actively Celebrate Key Military Events

If a company truly values the Armed Forces community, they’ll show it—not just in their hiring policies, but in how they celebrate key military events. From Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day to Remembrance Day, VE Day and beyond, forces-friendly employers take the time to recognise and honour the service of veterans, reservists, and military families.

These companies go beyond a social media post. They fly the Armed Forces flag, host internal events, support military charities, and encourage employees to take part in parades and remembrance services. Some even offer paid leave for military-related events, making it clear that they’re not just supporting the Armed Forces—they’re proud of it.

Companies like Microsoft and Tesco are leading the way, making military celebrations a key part of their workplace culture. If you’re looking for an employer that truly backs the military community, this is a telltale sign.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Forces-Friendly Employer?

By now, it’s clear: Forces-friendly employers are out there, and they’re looking for talented, mission-driven individuals like you. Whether you’re a veteran, reservist, or military spouse, these companies understand your journey and are ready to offer you the support and opportunities you deserve.

Don’t settle for just any job — join a Forces-friendly employer that will value you for who you are and help you thrive in your civilian career.