At first glance, you might miss the green beret clutched in his hands.
But for Jay Hare, this poignant photograph captures the day he left the Royal Marine Commandos – and shows just how far he has come since being blown up by the Taliban six years ago.
The former corporal, who was with 45 Commando Royal Marines, is thought to be the first British amputee to go to work offshore in the North Sea.
He did so to inspire other injured veterans – and to show them is hope of finding a new career after leaving the military.
The 34-year-old works for Aboyne-based charity Horseback UK, which aims to rebuild the confidence of servicemen and women, focus on their skills and help them make the transition into the civilian world.
As well as learning to work with horses, building up trust and leadership skills, participants can tackle about 20 other activities which may open up a hobby, a passion – or even a future career path.
One veteran has gone on to start up his own fishing business and many are keen to go into the oil and gas industry.
Mr Hare, who lost his left leg below the knee, as well as his left eye and some fingers after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2008, is determined to prove to them there is “no such thing as can’t”.
He underwent the rigorous survival training, including a dunking in the helicopter simulator, before flying to the Ensco 120 jack-up rig, which supports Nexen’s Golden Eagle platform, 43 miles north-east of Aberdeen.
There he was shown around the rig, introduced to the various roles of workers, and given a briefing in how a drilling rig works to get oil and gas out the sea and onto the shore.
The father-of-two said: “It was a very good insight into a different world.
“The point was to try to prove what can be done, I believe I’m the most injured service-person to make it offshore.
“I think I’m also the first British amputee to make it into the North Sea. I’m really quite proud of that, and it will help to motivate a lot of other guys who are going through the recovery process.
“Hopefully it will get them thinking about what they could do, whether it be in the oil and gas industry or another profession.”
Jock Hutchison, who founded Horseback UK, said Mr Hare’s trip had helped to break down barriers.
“Some of the guys offshore may not think that someone with injuries like Jay would be able to go through the training, so it all helps,” he added.
As well as being a proud and inspiring occasion for Mr Hare, it was an emotional one, as it was also the day he officially became a civilian again after 14 years with the Royal Marines.
He was joined on the trip by his former section commander Wayne Harrison, who now works for Nexen as a shutdown (TAR) coordinator.
Mr Hare said: “It was extremely poignant, as I made the trip on the same day that I left the Royal Marine Commandos.
“Wayne, who was with me, swapped my green lid (beret) for the green hard hat when we were there, and told me that one replaces the other as we move forward.
“It was quite an emotional time. Wayne and I worked very closely together on operations in Afghanistan and were both injured, and then six years later we were on an oil rig together.”
Ray Riddoch, director of UK Operations for Nexen, said: “Nexen UK is committed to partnership with community members in the areas where we operate and was delighted to work with Jay Hare to facilitate this offshore trip.
“Jay is an inspiration and his work with Horseback UK in helping others recover their confidence to fully adapt to a new career, and for many a new way of living, is a very worthy cause.”