Armed Forces Day | From submarines to the streets

As he prepares to walk across the graduation stage this July, Ryan Hill reflects on his journey from serving in the Royal Navy to becoming a police officer.

A student on the BSc in Professional Policing programme, Ryan has spent the past three years balancing the demands of frontline policing with academic study. Now he is a response officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Before entering policing, Ryan served for four years in the Royal Navy as a warfare specialist, stationed on Type 23 frigates and focused on anti-submarine operations. “Our ship specialised in tracking submarines off the coasts of England and Norway,” he explained. “But even during my time in the military, I always had one eye on becoming a police officer. I just had to find the right time and the right force, and Gloucestershire was the right force for me.”

Ryan says his military experience gave him essential skills that translated well into policing, particularly adaptability and time management. These became vital when juggling shift work with his academic responsibilities.

“A degree on its own is three years of hard work. With policing, you are also doing one of the toughest jobs out there,” he said. “But it is doable. You’ve got to be smart with your time. I enjoyed it.”

Reflecting on the transition from national defence to community policing, Ryan noted a powerful shift in focus. “The military was big-picture and strategic. Policing is more immediate. It’s day-to-day and person-to-person. You can actually see the impact you’re having.”

One moment, early in his policing career, remains especially poignant. Tasked with delivering tragic news to a young girl, Ryan was unexpectedly left alone to support her.

“I remember thinking, ‘Please don’t leave me with this child, I’m not equipped for this,’” he said. “But I ended up sitting with her, playing Harry Potter on the floor for three hours. On the worst day of her life, I was part of a good memory. That’s something I’ll never forget.” This moment, and many others like it, reaffirmed Ryan’s commitment to his chosen path.

Graduation this summer marks more than just academic success. “I didn’t do A-levels,” he said. “I dropped out with the intention of joining the military. I never thought I’d get a degree. To be here now, having earned one, is huge for me.”

With his probation completed, Ryan is now applying to join the force’s firearms unit, with an assessment day lined up just weeks before his graduation ceremony.

“I’m proud of the route I took,” he said. “Even if I had all the options laid out again, I’d still choose this one.”