Plan and prepare early for transition
Article courtesy of Department of Defence
As transition can be a period of significant change for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and families, Defence and DVA encourage members to engage with transition support early to ensure they have the information necessary to consider the best career options.
ADF Member and Family Transition Seminars are one of the many supports and programs Defence provides to help guide ADF personnel, families or support people through the transition process.
Director General Joint Transition Authority Air Commodore Kaarin Kooij said attendance at a seminar was mandatory 12 months before transition. However, as transition is something all ADF personnel would experience at some point, they need to plan and prepare early.
‘It’s important to know what current transition support services are available to yourself and your family members,’ she said. ‘I recommend attending a seminar every three to four years to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. It’s also useful for supervisors so they can better support our sailors, soldiers and aviators as they transition from service life.
‘It is important to consider the differences in cost-of-living expenses between military and civilian life. It is also important to understand how to access services in the civilian community. Seminars provide that information through targeted presentations, as well as access to stakeholders to chat one on one with.’
The 2024 ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar schedule is available now.
Seminars are accessible throughout the year and delivered in face-to-face, virtual live-day interactive and virtual non-interactive (available 24/7) formats. Family members, support persons and guests are also encouraged to register and attend.
For more information on the seminars, visit the Defence Transition website.
Joint Transition Authority personnel provide assistance at the ADF Members and Families Transition Seminar in Melbourne, June 2023.