Ex-military recruitment consultancy ForceSelect has provided some Christmas cheer for members of 2 Para during a fact-finding mission in Afghanistan.

The government recently announced substantial cuts to the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence revealed earlier this year that it is planning to enforce redundancies through its Manning Control Points scheme, with many regular service personnel expected to lose their jobs.

ForceSelect’s founder Hugh Andrée, director Andy McNab and operations director Polly Irish spent four days in Kabul to observe troops from 2 Para Regiment to promote the career guidance it offers to service leavers.

Former SAS soldier and author McNab says: “It was a great opportunity for ForceSelect to see first-hand what troops on the ground are going through and to reassure them that a life beyond the services need not be daunting.

“ForceSelect is committed to providing second careers for military service leavers and highlighting the wide array of transferable skills and talents that can be utilised by British business.”

ForceSelect was set up by Hugh Andrée in response to the lack of advice and support he received when he left the army in 1997 and the visit to Afghanistan gave the team a chance to explain how service leavers can promote their core values and their military skills in a civilian workplace.

ForceSelect has recently agreed partnership deals with British Gas, UPS and Sainsbury’s and is keen to sign up with a wide range of large and small businesses across the UK across all business sectors.

The consultancy is also implementing a mentoring and support programme to provide advice and guidance to individuals having left the Armed Forces to help them have a seamless transition from service life into civilian employment.