Armed Forces Week 2026: Marshall’s Chris Platt on the transition from military service to aerospace leadership

As Marshall Aerospace marks Armed Forces Week 2026, we are recognising the experience, commitment and technical capability that service leavers and veterans bring to businesses like ours.

For Chris Platt, Director of Airport Operations and Flight Test, there's a direct connection between military service and Marshall's mission. After a long career in the British Army spanning the UK, Germany, Canada, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris has built a second career in aerospace and defence, helping lead teams that support complex aviation operations and flight test activity.

Here, Chris reflects on his military career, the challenges of transition, and why veterans have so much to offer in civilian working life.

What was your military background before joining Marshall?

"I joined the Army's Sixth Form College Welbeck at 16, went through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst at 18, and was commissioned into the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at 19," says Chris.

Over the course of his Army career, Chris served in a wide range of locations and roles. His service culminated in command of 7 Air Assault Battalion REME, where he was responsible for supporting 16 Air Assault Brigade and Army Aviation.

"That role encompassed maintaining everything from rifles to Apache Attack Helicopters," he says. "Being a regular battalion Commanding Officer was the greatest privilege of my working life and I loved it. I certainly had many more good days than bad days."

What prompted your decision to leave the Army?

For Chris, the decision was ultimately about family.

"After two decades, the demands of military life were beginning to take their toll - not on me, but on my family," he says. "My family lived in one quarter for eight months but I don't remember it. I only lived in it for a couple of weeks.

"Whilst I enjoyed the excitement and sense of purpose on operations, my family were struggling with the instability and turmoil as they followed the flag. I knew my time to transition out of the Army, and give them the stability they needed, had come."

How did you find the move into civilian life?

Chris is open about the fact that the transition was not straightforward.

"If I'm honest, I actually found the transition quite difficult and it did take me a couple of years," he says. "In civilian life the unifying purpose of everyone working together to a clear objective is not always there, and the strong values and standards of the military aren't consistently applied. I found that frustrating initially."

He also found the civilian job market difficult to navigate.

"Military training produces highly adaptable generalists, but civilian recruitment often seeks narrow, technical matches," he says.

For Chris, networking was important. Conversations with friends and contacts helped him find his first civilian role in aerospace and defence, and that experience eventually led him to Marshall.

"The lesson I took from this is that networking can be vital in securing the right civilian job," he says.

What does your role at Marshall involve today?

Chris now holds a dual role as Director of Airport Operations and Flight Test for Marshall Aerospace.

"In one capacity, I oversee the airport, aviation security and air traffic control, accountable for safety and regulatory compliance," he explains. "In the other, I lead Marshall's flight test capability - a team of pilots, flight engineers and loadmasters, many of whom are also ex-forces."

The environment is different from military service, but Chris sees clear continuity in the standards, disciplines and mission focus required.

"The professionalism and knowledge of my aircrew, largely ex-RAF, continues to impress me even after five years with them," he says. "The thing I enjoy most is watching my team develop, gain confidence and then succeed on their own merits."

Why is Marshall a strong fit for veterans?

For Chris, Marshall's work gives veterans the chance to remain connected to a wider mission.

"Being an aerospace and defence company, Marshall understands the military," he says. "Veterans are respected for what they've done and used accordingly. You can continue to be part of the wider force that enables the military to operate and be a force for good."

That continued connection matters.

"It gives me job satisfaction as my output is not purely to feed the bottom line of a spreadsheet," says Chris.

What do veterans bring to business?

Chris believes veterans bring qualities that are highly relevant to civilian industry.

"Ex-servicemen bring loyalty, discipline, teamwork and, above all, resilience," he says. "In my 12 years in civilian industry, I've never once had an ex-serviceman say, 'That's not my job.'"

"When things get difficult, veterans are more likely to make a bad joke, roll up their sleeves and get stuck into fixing a problem, whereas some others may start negative rumours or jump ship."

He also notes that many veterans have advanced technical skills, even if they do not always hold direct civilian licences or certificates to match their experience.

What advice would you give to service leavers?

Chris's advice is practical.

"Pick the right time to leave and prioritise resettlement and job hunting from the moment you click on JPA," he says. "Invest significant effort in reaching out to old friends, previous officers or family members, and network for advice or opportunities."

His final point is about confidence.

"Be proud of your service," says Chris. "Whilst many recruiters advise you to completely civilianise your CV, I'd say make sure people can still tell you were in the military. It's something to be very proud of."