For many people leaving the armed forces, finding a career that offers the same sense of teamwork, structure and variety can be challenging. For Connor Paterson, security provided the perfect transition.

With a military background in the infantry and experience operating in armoured vehicles, Connor now works across a variety of roles within Regency Guarding, bringing discipline, awareness and professionalism to every site he works on.

What first inspired you to join the Army?

“The reason why I got into the Army was because it was a lifelong passion of mine from a young age. Like most boys growing up, I was always interested in it. I started off at the Cadets at the age of 13 and worked my way up from there.”

Connor signed up for the Army at just 15 years and 9 months old before attending Harrogate Army Foundation College at the age of 16. After completing a year of training and education, he progressed into infantry training with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

“I went on to ITC Catterick as an infantry soldier for the Royal Regiment of Scotland before moving into battalion afterwards.”

What was your role during your time in the Army?

Connor spent four years in the Army, including training, serving as part of a mechanised infantry unit operating heavy armoured vehicles.

“As an infantry soldier, I was mechanised, so I worked in heavy armoured vehicles deploying out of them. I was a top gunner in Mastiffs and vehicles like that.”

Although Connor did not complete operational tours due to the timing of military withdrawals overseas, he did spend time training in Africa.

“I managed to go to Nairobi in Africa for six weeks for training and pre deployment exercises. Unfortunately, while I was out there I was diagnosed with asthma, which ultimately led to me leaving the Army.”

What made you move into the Guarding industry?

For Connor, the move into security felt like a natural progression after military life.

“A lot of people that come out of the forces tend to move into similar roles. You still get the camaraderie, you meet a lot of people and every day is different. You’re not stuck doing the same thing every day in a normal nine to five job.”

Connor joined Regency Guarding in October last year and has quickly become a valued member of the team.

What does your current role at Regency involve?

Connor’s role varies day to day, covering both mobile patrols and static guarding across Norfolk and Essex.

“I do mobile driving and static guarding. Mobile driving involves alarm callouts, CCTV activations and patrols around different sites. We look after sites, protect them and make sure the client is happy.”

His work regularly takes him across multiple locations and sectors.

“I’ve worked at construction sites, Soul Church, Bernard Matthews, Pinebanks and Junkyard Market amongst others. I do a real variety of roles.”

Connor also assists with response driving shifts in Essex and supports sites requiring enhanced DBS clearance, including schools and youth organisations.

What skills from the Army have transferred into security work?

Connor believes there are many transferable skills between military life and security.

“There’s a lot of transferable skills. Fitness is a big one. On one site I was walking between 10 and 15 miles every day.”

He also highlighted the importance of observation and attention to detail.

“Looking for the small details and noticing things that other people might miss is probably one of the biggest things I’ve brought from the Army into security.”

Discipline and routine have also played a major role in helping him succeed.

“On every site I normally arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Routine, discipline and navigation are all things that have helped me massively.”

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of security work, Connor enjoys spending time with family and playing golf.

“I play golf. I’m not excellent at it, but I hit the ball and hope it lands in roughly the right direction.”

Security also runs in the family, with Connor’s brother Charles working at Regency before him.

“He came here first and then I followed after him.”

Looking Ahead

Connor’s journey from the Army into the security industry highlights how military experience can translate seamlessly into professional guarding roles. From discipline and fitness to teamwork and awareness, the skills developed during his military career continue to play a key role in his work today.

At Regency Guarding, Connor is one of many team members helping deliver reliable, professional security services across a wide range of environments and industries.