Supporting ex armed forces personnel into infrastructure careers: Stories from the MSSI community

Each year, our teams across MSSI pause to reflect for Remembrance Day. Many of our colleagues proudly wear their poppies, stand in silence, and share messages of gratitude for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in the Armed Forces. But for us, supporting the Armed Forces community goes far beyond a moment of reflection. It’s a year‑round commitment.

Behind the scenes, our teams work closely with ex‑service personnel to help them transition into meaningful, long‑term careers across rail, civils, ports and plant. This support is deeply personal for us. Many members of the MSSI workforce are former soldiers, sailors or marines who now play a vital role across our projects, teams and depots.

This year, we’ve been catching up with several of these colleagues to learn more about their journeys from military life into the infrastructure sector and what being part of the MSSI family now means to them.

From Royal Marine to Rail Supervisor: Lee’s story

Lee Hunt’s career began in May 1980 when he joined the Royal Marines. After passing an intense 30‑week training programme and earning his Green Beret, he joined the Landing Craft branch at Royal Marines Poole. There, he trained to operate rigid raiders and landing craft before taking on a security role at HMS Warrior, NATO Headquarters. He went on to serve aboard HMS Hermes, taking part in the Falklands War before later touring the East Coast of America and Europe.

When Lee left the military, he built a varied civilian career. He worked across the construction industry as a hod carrier, chippy labourer, banksman and tower crane driver, before the company he worked for unfortunately went into administration. He then moved into civilian public service roles, first with Royal Mail as a postman, then as a London Underground guard on the Northern Line, later becoming a train driver across the Jubilee, Northern and Metropolitan lines for more than 18 years.

After a period working with Co‑op Funeral Care, including roles supporting coroners and assisting with funeral services, Lee joined MSSI. He first worked as a Plate Layer and eventually moved into his current position as Supervisor of Stores at Edgware Depot, a role he has proudly held for over a decade.

To Lee, the camaraderie on the depot feels very familiar:
“It is just like being in the military. The guys have a good sense of humour, work well under pressure, and look out for each other. This job suits anyone coming out of the military looking for a new challenge.”

From Royal Engineer to Head of Operations: John’s journey

John Gibson began his career as a Sapper with 59 Independent Commando Squadron, Royal Engineers, where he built deep technical and operational expertise. Today, he is the Head of Operations for Civil Engineering at Team McGinley, applying the leadership, discipline and problem‑solving skills forged in the Forces to manage major works programmes and frontline teams.

From British Infantry Ranger to Route Leader: Brian’s path

Brian Hopkinson served with 1^st Royal Irish Regiment as a British Infantry Ranger, gaining experience in high‑pressure, high‑stakes environments. He now works as an Account Manager on Network Rail’s North West Route, helping to manage operations, ensure programme delivery and support the safety‑critical workforce across one of the busiest areas of the UK rail network.

Building a new future through rail: Marau’s story

After serving from 2002 to 2013 with the 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, Marau’s military career took him to Cyprus, Iraq and several peacekeeping operations. He was also an accomplished rugby player, representing both his regiment and the Army Rugby team across tours in South Africa and France.

Redundancy ended his military service in 2013 and like so many ex‑Forces personnel, he found himself at a crossroads. That same year, he began working in the railway industry and has since built a stable, successful career within infrastructure, using the resilience, discipline and teamwork he developed during his service to thrive in a new environment.

Why infrastructure is a natural home for ex‑service personnel

The Armed Forces build exceptional people, leaders, problem‑solvers, team players and those who remain calm under pressure. These are the exact qualities that keep the UK’s infrastructure running safely and efficiently. Across rail depots, construction sites, ports, civils projects and plant operations, the skill sets of ex‑Forces colleagues are not just transferable, they’re a perfect match.

At MSSI we see this every day. Former military colleagues bring structure, reliability, initiative and a deep commitment to safety. They strengthen teams and elevate standards. And they often tell us that the sense of camaraderie, shared purpose and mutual respect they find here feels familiar to military life.

It’s why we remain committed to providing meaningful pathways into the sector for ex‑Armed Forces personnel, whether through training, guidance or guaranteed interviews wherever possible.

Standing beside those who’ve served

Remembrance Day gives us a moment to stop, reflect and give thanks. But our support for the Armed Forces community continues every week of the year.

From progressing ex‑Service workers into leadership roles, helping new leavers navigate their first steps into civilian employment, to building teams where veterans can thrive, we are proud to champion the incredible contribution ex‑Armed Forces personnel bring to the UK infrastructure sector.

To Lee, John, Brian, Marau and the many others who serve with us: thank you. Your skills, spirit and dedication help keep our industry, and our nation, moving.