Bridging the Gap in the Lived Experience

Recent Ipsos MORI research, commissioned by Sodexo, reveals a gap between recruits’ expectations of life in the forces, and the reality. This report highlights the frustrations and new priorities of service personnel; discover where the biggest challenges lie, and the improvements or enhancements that could make a real impact.

The Armed Forces offer some of the most exciting and fulfilling careers imaginable. Opportunities to travel the world, serve your country and learn any number of skills will always be a major draw. But expectations are changing, with recruits envisaging an opportunity for adventure and travel, a feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood, the development of specialised skills and education, and structure and discipline.

Our research confirms:

• a perceived loss of meaning in the role;
• decreased camaraderie as a result of budget cuts and the political climate;
• fewer opportunities to travel or be deployed on exercise;
• lower quality of life on base causing frustration, with services sometimes deemed to be inflexible, not meeting the unique demands of military life.

Download the report today to learn more about the biggest drivers of dissatisfaction - and the interventions that can have the greatest impact on the morale and wellbeing of personnel.