From the Royal Navy to DCBL: Jamie Gibson on Military Life and Leadership

10th November 2026

At DCBL, we are proud to have military veterans as part of our team, bringing with them valuable experience, discipline and skills developed throughout their time in the Armed Forces.

Military service can shape individuals in ways that extend far beyond their years in uniform. The teamwork, resilience, discipline and leadership skills developed during service can provide a strong foundation for a successful career outside of the military.

One of those veterans is our Managing Director, Jamie Gibson, who continues to draw upon the skills and values developed during his eight years in the Royal Navy.

Jamie’s decision to join the Armed Forces was partly inspired by his brother’s own experience:

“My brother had joined, and I was keen to stand on my own two feet and explore a different way of life. Joining the Royal Navy at 18 years old allowed me to leave my home city on my own and become an adult.”

Jamie went on to serve for eight years as a Weapon Engineer aboard aircraft carriers, maintaining the ships’ radar and weapon systems. His time in the Navy also saw him travel extensively, visiting Australia, the United States, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Abu Dhabi, as well as much of Europe.

Reflecting on his time in the Royal Navy, one lesson has stayed with Jamie above all others:

“The importance of Teamwork, and the team is only as strong as the weakest person. That way you all work to each other’s strengths and support each other through thick and thin.”

His experiences also helped shape how he understands and relates to people from different walks of life:

“When you are in the Navy you live with people from all different backgrounds and ages, so you understand how different we all are.”

Of everything he experienced during his time in the Navy, there is one aspect of military life that Jamie particularly misses:

“The camaraderie for sure, and the fact you were part of a team that had your back no matter what.”

His military experience also helped establish the high personal standards he continues to value today.

Discipline, punctuality, taking pride in personal presentation and giving your best effort are all qualities closely associated with military life. These same values are important at DCBL, where we encourage professionalism, a strong work ethic and pride in the work we do.

Jamie sees the impact of his military experience in both his everyday working habits and the way he handles pressure.

“My attitude to work, punctuality and how I show up each day are all part of my time in the Navy. There were some very tough days, but you get through them as a team. The importance of humour when things are tough.”

When faced with difficult circumstances today, Jamie continues to draw upon the lessons he learned during his service:

“Sometimes you need to get your head down and get through a specific task or period of time. It’s my experiences in the Navy that I can draw from when times get tough, and you need to keep positive.”

Jamie also credits his time in the Royal Navy with helping him develop the leadership skills that have served him throughout his civilian career.

“I like to think I learnt to be a leader in the Royal Navy, and that has helped me massively in civilian life.”

Whilst Jamie looks back fondly on his military experiences, he appreciates the stability of civilian life, particularly being able to return home at the end of each working day. He also recognises that leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant adjustment, especially for those who have spent many years in service.

“It is a different way of life and depending on the time spent it can take longer to adjust, but providing you get the support, and ask for help then you can go on and have a new career in a different sector completely.”

Having made that transition himself, Jamie has some advice for those preparing to do the same:

“Embrace it, the skills you have learnt will help you, especially around teamwork and how you handle yourself as an individual. Be proud of what you have done, and use it to go again…”

At DCBL, we are proud to have veterans like Jamie as part of our team, as we recognise the valuable experience, resilience and dedication they bring to our organisation.