A Promising Start to Second Innings for Veterans The veterans are retired Army, Navy and Air Force officers. They, in most countries, are remembered and respect paid to all the men and women who died serving their country in a war, and the soldiers who are still alive and served in the forces at any time, during peace or war. They have tons of experience from their service career, which they all love to share and boast with their colleagues and batchmates. Let their experiences of days gone be shared with schools, colleges, corporate professionals and general public.Military and armed forces’ personnel are experts at motivation, inspiration, team building, overcoming adversity and performing under insurmountable pressure. The speakers from military and armed forces are bound to bring you engaging keynote speeches and impactful training sessions. An increasing number of organizations, these days, are opting for training sessions conducted by Veteran officers to make their employees more disciplined and committed towards their careersMost people believe that the kind of discipline and approach that defence personnel have is way ahead from normal civilians. They have seen and lived life, amidst the most difficult situations, learnt how to deal with adversities and win any losing battle. They are known for their discipline and mannerisms and the ability they have of tackling difficult situations. Hence, many corporate houses are now getting Veterans on board to train their employees in various aspects these days. This trend is fast catching up in India Inc, as well.Talking about the kind of training that corporate houses take from Veterans, there are numerous training modules which include modules on leadership qualities, corporate security, interpersonal and communication skills, the economics and importance of dual and multi-tasking, basic etiquette and behavioural science, time management, overall conduct and behaviour, building team work, trust and camaraderie etc. Specialized skills like in the fields of communications, medicine or legal are also being utilized to impart training after moulding to suit the corporate requirements. Training programs are customized as per client requirement, wherein the importance is on the character and mental strength building, that is instilling values and integrity.So, what is it that ex-military men add to training for students and working professionals and why are so many organizations opting for, such training? Performance and behaviour of the employees, improvement in terms of time management, discipline, effectiveness and efficiency in achieving end results and overall growth of the company is what ex-military men bring along in their training.Veteran officers bring with them a rich experience that is shaped by their stint in the forces; they are disciplined, methodical, and egalitarian in general. Their involvement in training employee gives immense dividends. Basically, their outlook towards life is very positive considering the tough environment in which they operate, and thus, they can impart some very relevant messages to students and employees in any learning environment.While talking about veterans, Vice Admiral MP Awati, in his last days (2018) from hospital bed said,“Pratap, the sense of discipline, and the spirit of can do, will do, has a very positive effect on others. Moreover, Veterans can create excellent outbound activities aimed at fostering team building and leadership development in any group that they work with”.In one of my campus to corporate, outbound experiential learning program (2006) for HCC, a participant, Sheetal Swaminathan, shares her experience, and says,“Military officers have always left an impression in my mind, of being true Indians who are sincere, both with their life and work. With their great experience and learning during wars, they try to impart those qualities within you using different procedures and methodologies. They have their own justified set of rules and regulations sometimes they are harsh, they make you work harder, but one thing, when you are broken down with physical struggle, they are the real motivators and will rebuild you from the ground.”What kind of training these defence personnel conduct? These are very comprehensive and help an individual hone his/her professional as well as personal skills. For example, one of my modules included solving a murder mystery, allow team members to find clues, derive inferences, communicate with peers, superiors negotiate and arrive at a target. In life like situations, team playing is emphasized along with peer motivation and leadership.With increasing pressure and expectations at the workplace, these trainings imparted by Veterans are certainly proving to be a boon for Indian corporate houses with their employees becoming more disciplined and committed to what they are doing. They also assist sensitization of students, the process of making someone react to something that previously had no effect.Yes, the Veterans are ready to be invited by educational institutions, corporate professionals and public at large as motivational speakers and mentors. It’s time to listen and time to speak?Are Principals and Directors of institutions listening?How do civilians perceive Veterans?Sathiyaseelan, Corporate HR (2007), “Based on my personal experience, good thing is that they are process oriented, demanding, result oriented, disciplined in work, excellent communication skills, to name a few. Bad things that I have noticed are language that they use - more commanding, resistance to learn from others especially juniors (youngsters), they demand respect than commanding it, they have superiority complex that they know everything, to name a few.”Rajat Joshi, CEO (2010), “I may be biased in my opinion as my father was in the army who also served in the private security sector after his retirement. My take is that - yes undoubtedly, they are disciplined and focused in their approach and possess excellent inter-personal skills which is critical in the industry. Why should they limit their options to HR & Admin alone? They are potential leaders and should aim to be CEOs of mid-size firms and start ups and for that they need to upgrade themselves.Sparky, Black Belt (United Kingdom, 2009), “The only down side I have ever come across with ex forces personnel is original thinking. Because they are used to following orders and procedures, they sometimes lose the innovation spark.NS Narang, Hospitality & Events (2008), “The expectations from an ex-Army officer become quite routine and predictable, and slowly they get into a comfort zone, after years of hard life. In other words, complacency sets in as in any other job.Dinesh V Divekar, Freelance Soft Skill & Behavioural Trainer (2012), “They have good writing skills and ability to create process. Limitations are too many for a business firm. Biggest problem is lack of commercial thinking or commercial sense. They are driven by rules rather than results. Most officers get caught in the nitty-gritty and do not visualize larger picture. At times their mouth is ‘Weapon of mass destruction’.  They are super yes-men and expect same to be from their juniors.’Recommendation: The above areas need attention from Veterans to reflect and contemplate.My sincere gratitude for above inputs from link below. A few additions have been made to bring impact in writing: https://www.citehr.com/62628-ex-army-officers-fit-job-corporate.htmlLet’s meet some outstanding Veterans:The most Veterans look forward to rest, relaxation, golf, family time and travel. Meet some of the successful Veterans who have excelled as behavioural trainers and motivational speakers, along with golf and travel.Brigadier Sushil Bhasin: He has a training and speaking experience of 34 years in the Indian Army and 14 years in the Corporate. His forte is Leadership and Teamwork, and he brings his experience of Military Leadership to the Corporate. His workshops are based on Experiential Learning and Facilitation and are full of fun. He is a keynote speaker and a story teller. He inspires audiences with his military and corporate stories. He has authored number of books relating to training and self-development.Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan: He is a much sought-after leadership mentor and an outstanding orator. Over the years he has been repeatedly invited to speak upon an impressive array of subjects to discerning audiences in India and abroad and has mesmerised them all. He is also a prolific writer on maritime affairs and leadership issues.Lt Col Ajay Chaudhari: He is an RCS Certified Coach has over three decades work experience in the areas of HR, operations, consulting, coaching, assessment centres, development centres and training. A trained behavioural analyst, his expertise lies in skill and behavioural modification. He is also a certified Pranic healer. As a trainer, he focuses on providing opportunities for experiential learning for his participants.Major Gaurav Arya: He is considered a passionate advocate of the soldier’s point of view and speaks about the brave Army men who have gone to the extremes, pushed the limits and emerged victorious… but not always. They’ve also taken the falls, losses, disappointments and setbacks as lessons and insights gained to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles, making the highest sacrifices to protect their country.Commander Rajindra Dutta: He was a Qualified Flying Instructor in the Indian Navy and has motivated and groomed several cadets for pre-SSB (Services Selection Board) training, who are young officers in the Armed Forces. He has been a Master of Ceremonies with a rich baritone and a prolific writer and Blogger.               @rajdutta26.blogspot.comCapt Raghu Raman: He teaches Leadership, Change management, Strategy and Persuasion in leading Business Schools and Companies.  In addition, Raghu is a columnist for the leading Business Newspaper - MINT and the author of the bestselling book “Everyman’s War”, published by Random House.Commander Abhilash Tomy: He wrote a new chapter in India’s rich maritime history by becoming the first Indian to Circumnavigate the Earth under sails - solo, nonstop and unassisted. Asked about the key to success in the future race, he says, “Normally, in any race, the fastest guy will win. But since this race will go on for 300 days, the sailor who will perform consistently and avoid unnecessary risks will win.”Wing Commander Pooja Thakur: She is a persuasive communicator with ingrained leadership traits who loves to seize the moment proactively. An active speaker since Student days and a sought-after corporate speaker since the past few years.  She uses her personal and professional experiences in her talks to inspire, motivate and guide the audience.Cadet Navin Gulia: An ex-Army officer-cadet and a world record holder in adventure sports, is a multiple award winning, internationally acclaimed, author, adventurer, thinker, orator and social worker. A man who turned disability into a life-affirming force, stretching beyond physical abilities. He was at the Indian Military Academy as a Gentleman Cadet, when a freak accident whilst doing gymnastics paralysed him neck down.My gratitude for taking a few inputs from ‘Speaking Minds’; link: https://www.speakingminds.com/ & ‘Simply Life India Speakers Bureau’ https://www.simplylifeindia.com/military-speakers.htmlThe list is endless, and it would perhaps be in order to add the author’s name as last:Commander Pratap Singh Mehta: He has a rich experience of working as behavioural coach, super trainer, maritime faculty and Master Mariner. He is also a prolific writer. Besides books on maritime training, he has recently authored a historical memoir, a coffee table book, Rajputana Chronicles – Guns & Glories. He has been invited for talks by King’s Collage Hospital, London and Civil Services Collage, Mauritius, besides a few management institutions in Mumbai and outside.Cdr Pratap Singh MehtaAuthor | Behavioural Coach | Veteran Indian NavyEmail id: captainpsm@gmail.comWebsite: www.pratapmehta.comTwitter: @captainpsmInstagram: www.instagram.com/indianveterans/Mobile: +91 9920103737