Changing ADF transition support delivery

The Department of Defence is changing the way it supports members and their families to transition to civilian life, in line with Government guidance on COVID-19.

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families may wish to stop, slow down or pause their transition. Defence is facilitating this and members can get more information on how they can request a change through their Service Career Manager, or through their ADF transition coach.

Experienced transition coach Viv Lawrence says those members and their families progressing with their transition and leaving full-time service still have a wide range of support options available to them.

A woman named Viv Lawrence, who works as an ADF Transition Coach. She is sitting down, wearing a black Open Arms t-shirt, with her arms folded and smiling.

ADF Transition Coaches like Viv Lawrence are the main point of contact for the duration of transitions from ADF, providing tailored coaching services to assist during transition and up to 12 months afterwards.

‘Everyone’s circumstances are different and some transitions may need to proceed,’ Viv said.

‘We have been busy working on flexible ways to support members during this time, including making changes in how individuals and families can access transition information and support.

‘ADF transition coaches are available in all areas to support members through video calls, phone calls or email. They can help progress transition plans, or adjust timelines, depending on what the ADF member prefers.’

Programs like the popular Job Search Preparation workshop are available online. These workshops are open to all ADF members and their partners, at any time throughout their military career and for up to 24 months after transition. The two-hour webinars are designed to help people learn more about how to manage careers, sell skills and experience and build resumes to capture military skills.

The Defence Force Transition Program that was launched in January this year also remains accessible to transitioning members. Specialist advice through the Career Transition Coaching, Personalised Career and Employment Program, and Transition for Employment Program are all being delivered virtually.

‘Transition coaches will work with ADF members and their families on options for Career Transition Training and Financial Advice depending on choice of providers and their ability to support a virtual service,’ Viv said.

‘The Defence ADF Member and Family Transition Guide has also been updated to reflect the needs-based Defence Force Transition program, and there are refreshed checklists and tips to help plan and manage transition.’

In the near future, Defence will also be offering virtual seminars as part of online transition support services. In the meantime, members and families can access online versions of seminar presentations at any time. The presentations include information on Defence’s transition programs, how to transition to the Reserves, navigating the public health system, managing your money, accessing support from DVA, ex-service organisations, and more.

For assistance, ADF members and their families can visit the Defence Community Organisation website, contact their local ADF Transition Centre or email: adf.transition [at] defence.gov.au (adf[dot]transition[at]defence[dot]gov[dot]au).