Determined not to be held back, a businessman in Paphos talks to PAUL LAMBIS about his life in and outside the army
At the age of 59, Jeff Greenwood is content with life. A retired British military man living in Paphos, Jeff specialised in combat communications and served in Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, the USA, Kenya, and Canada, as well as working as a Queen’s Guard, carrying out ceremonial duties. Behind the scenes, however, Jeff has had to overcome many difficulties, including the social and emotional challenges surrounding his dyslexia.
Jeff and Jackie on their wedding day
It was back in 1982 when he was urged to make a pivotal decision that would fundamentally change the course of his career. Married with two children and working as a landscape gardener in Merseyside, Jeff was hampered by his dyslexia and lack of qualifications, having dropped out of school. “Being dyslexic played a key role throughout my life,” Jeff explained, “as I realised that my future was dependent on athletic abilities rather than intellectual.”
Jeff did not want to be trapped in a future with no genuine prospects. “I wanted a career that would channel my drive to succeed, at the same time providing long-term financial security.”
Jeff looked to his father’s employer, The Earl of Derby, who was in the Grenadier Guards at the time and decided that a career in the army was exactly what he wanted. Although his initial application was turned down since married men were not permitted to join, Jeff reapplied two years later when the rules changed and was finally accepted into one of the most senior infantry regiments in the British Army as a recruit for the renowned Grenadier Guards, laying out his military career path with the full support of his wife, Jackie.
Jeff and Jackie today
For the next six months, Jeff underwent severe physical and psychological training in preparation for a two-year posting in Northern Ireland. Thereafter, he was assigned to the Signals Platoon and promoted to corporal, training as a Regimental Signals Instructor, Morse Code Instructor, Electronic Warfare Instructor and Range Management Controller. “I developed a strong set of leadership qualities and was selected to attend an army education course that would lead to my promotion to sergeant,” Jeff said.
He had managed to keep his dyslexia hidden up until now but soon realised he would need to discuss his issue with his chief instructor since the next stage of his career would require academic training and written examinations. Jeff’s mentor was incredibly accommodating and provided him with all the assistance he needed to advance his career. “I subsequently passed all my subjects without any problems and became a mess member.” Over the next six years, Jeff specialised in combat communications, with posts around the world.
After a thriving career in the military, Jeff decided to leave the Grenadier Guards and pursue a career as a security consultant. Again overcoming the insecurities surrounding his dyslexia, Jeff put his best foot forward and qualified with a National Diploma in Security Management from Plymouth University. “One of my first private jobs was at Wembley Stadium, providing security for celebrities such as Cliff Richard, Barry Manilow, Prince and Take That,” Jeff said. “However, when they decided to reconstruct the stadium, I decided it was time to return home and start my own security service company.”
In 2004, and after many visits to Cyprus, Jeff played a key role in the establishment of the Cyprus Association for Licensed Security Officers. Four years later, Jeff relocated to Cyprus permanently, concentrating solely on his Paphos-based security company, serving the local community with passion, integrity, and honesty – the same values ingrained within him throughout his military career.
The Falkland islands
“I have overcome many challenges and difficulties in my life,” Jeff revealed. “I experienced high levels of frustration when dealing with my dyslexia and had to work harder to develop literacy skills. However, I cannot take all the credit for my own achievements. Having the support of my family certainly made the road easier.”
As a security industry man, Jeff is not just a company director providing a service for profit. He believes that everyone should work with equal integrity and observe good and honest practices. “Whatever the challenges, we all need to work together to give our communities the peace of mind they deserve.”
When asked to describe himself in one sentence, Jeff declares: “Born in Merseyside, and made in the Grenadier Guards.” Adapting to a life with dyslexia could not have been easy for Jeff, but his story reflects a remarkable individual who learned to cope with his limitations, overcome his challenges, and build a rewarding life.
Click here to change your cookie preferences