Learn about Veteran Support Officers

Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) are DVA advisers who provide personalised support and guidance to serving ADF members and families. DVA TV’s latest ‘DVA Services’ video provides an insight into their role.

‘Having the opportunity to talk to a VSO before I transitioned was really important,’ says Kelly-Ann King – a Warrant Officer transitioning from the Army. ‘It’s a terrifying feeling leaving something you’ve done for so many years but knowing I’ve been supported through transition as well as I have has set me up for the future.’

‘It can be really difficult to grapple with the transition process as well as grappling with DVA processes,’ says Leanne Cameron, the DVA senior executive responsible for the VSO program. She describes the VSO service as ‘part of your entitlements, part of this country’s recognition of what you do when you pull on a uniform.’

‘What a VSO provides is vital,’ says VSO Antony Onyango. ‘We’re the first point of contact in terms of information and where and when to seek help.’

‘VSOs will do everything we can to support you through a smooth transition, and on the other side you’ll have DVA to support you whenever you need it,’ says VSO Sophie Covell.

For more information about how VSOs can support you, see the VSO page of the DVA website.