What Job Can I Do After the Army? Why Running a Pub Could Be Your Next Great Mission
Leaving the Armed Forces is a huge transition, one that comes with a sense of pride, possibility, and (let’s be honest) a bit of uncertainty too. If you’ve served in the British Army or any of the Armed Forces and find yourself wondering “what job can I do after the army?”, you're not alone. Thousands of veterans face this question every year, searching for a meaningful, flexible, and rewarding new chapter.
Here’s a thought that might surprise you: Have you considered running a pub?
Whether as a self-employed Pub Partner with Stonegate or a self-employed Operator with Craft Union, running a pub is a career path that’s not only rewarding and community-focused but also a perfect fit for someone with your background.
Let’s break it down, because if you’ve served, you already have more of the right skills than you might realise.
From Boots to Business: Why Veterans Make Great Publicans
The Armed Forces instil discipline, resilience, leadership, and the ability to think on your feet. All of these traits are not just useful in civilian life, they’re invaluable when it comes to running a business. And yes, when you run a pub, you’re not just pulling pints, you’re running a business, leading a team, managing customers, solving problems, and driving results.
Here are some of the top transferable skills you already have from your time in the Army:
Leadership & People Management
From squad-level command to managing high-pressure operations, you’ve already led teams in situations far more intense than Friday night at the bar. Leading a team in a pub environment is about motivating others, setting a standard, and being that dependable presence customers and staff look up to, something that comes second nature to those with military experience.
Discipline & Organisation
In the Armed Forces, you learn to be precise, prepared, and proactive. Running a pub requires exactly that. From stock ordering and managing rotas to health & safety and event planning, it’s about keeping the wheels turning while staying one step ahead.
Community & Communication Skills
Serving in the Army gives you a deep appreciation of people from all walks of life. Pubs are the heart of communities, and as a publican or pub operator, your job is to connect with locals, create a welcoming environment, and make people feel at home, something military personnel often excel at.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
In both military life and hospitality, things can move fast. A pipe bursts mid-shift? Your supplier’s van broke down? You know how to stay calm, make decisions, and keep morale high when the unexpected hits.
Self-Motivation
Many roles in the Army teach you how to operate independently and take initiative, ideal traits for self-employed life. Whether you're taking over a village pub with big potential or running a high-street boozer with a buzzing crowd, you’ll be in the driver’s seat, and that autonomy is something many veterans thrive on.
🏡 Pub Partners
This is our leased and tenanted model, ideal for those who want to make a pub their own. You’ll be running your own business, with flexible agreements and support from our regional teams. You’ll have control over the food offer, events, and overall feel of the pub, so it’s great if you’re ready to fully take the reins.
Perfect for: Self-starters, couples or families, and those wanting creative freedom to build a business with long-term growth.
🍻 Craft Union
People who want the freedom to bring a sports-led, community-focused, or lively local pub to life, without the overheads of running a business alone. With Craft Union, you stay self-employed but get the tools, structure, and support to make your pub your own.
Perfect for: Individuals, couples, or families who want to run a pub with personality, whether it’s a bustling sports bar, a warm community hub, or a no-frills local with loyal regulars. It’s ideal for those who want the backing of a big brand, day-to-day support, and the freedom to make their mark, without the financial risk of a full lease.
Still Not Sure? You’re Not Alone, And You’re Not On Your Own
It’s okay not to have it all figured out right away. You might not know your way around the cellar yet, but that’s what training and support are for. At Stonegate, we offer onboarding, operational guidance, and marketing support to help you build confidence from day one.
And if you're someone who wants to be part of something, to lead from the front, and to create real community impact, you’re exactly who we want behind the bar.
The Next Step in Your Journey Starts Here
So if you’re asking yourself, “What job can I do after the army?”, don’t overlook hospitality. Running a pub isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle, a business, and a way to stay connected to people and purpose.
Whether you fancy taking on a rural retreat or becoming the face of a lively city local, there’s a pub (and a pub model) that could suit you perfectly.