Kent veteran talks about his struggles of life outside the army

A former soldier has spoken of the challenge of adapting to civilian life after leaving the army, saying he felt completely disconnected from the outside world.

Nick Bennion, 47, who served in Kosovo and Iraq with the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, said he initially believed the transition would be easy but quickly realised how unprepared he was.

“I was trained to be a soldier and I couldn’t transfer any of the skills I had,” he said. “I didn’t know what the latest TV shows were, or how to join in banter, I was used to army banter.”

Mr Bennion, who is originally from Fiji, is one of the faces of this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Mr Bennion joined the army seeking “adventure” and a challenge.

He described his time in the military as “a good laugh and good experience”.

“It was sometimes hard, but you’ve got to keep your chin up and move forward, that’s how the army works.”

After serving seven years, he decided to leave.

He found it challenging to secure housing and a job, saying he did not have networks who could support him.

“In the army, we followed orders. We lived under the same roof, undertook the same training and we had the same goal – which is to serve the country.

“It was simple in a way.”

Mr Bennion said the outside world was “more complex” because “everyone has different goals and no set routine”.

He added because of pride, he did not want to seek help.

“Soldiers are trained to face immense challenges, and to overcome it no matter the difficulty,” he said.

It was his wife who encouraged him to reach out to the Royal British Legion in 2010.

The charity helped the couple with housing, food and clearing debts.

Mr Bennion, who now works at Maidstone Prison, added RBL has made a “massive difference” to his life.

Advising others who are in a similar situation he was, he said “we all need help at some point, don’t let pride hold you back”.

“RBL has always been there for you, sometimes we need a little push to ask for the help.”

Mr Bennion, who is also taking part in the Poppy Appeal campaign said it means a lot to him “because it’s remembrance to those who sacrificed their lives for others”.

“Giving up your own life for another person is a symbol of love, I have come to understand that over the years.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: “The government is committed to ensuring medically-discharged veterans receive comprehensive support.”

They said this includes financial independence, career guidance and guaranteed employment support through the Career Transition Partnership.

“We invest more than £21m annually in veterans’ mental health service, physical health needs, and the Defence Transition Service which provides up to two years of transition support,” they added.