Published 16/01/2020

"On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind." -Dan Lipinski

ETP co-founder and Managing Director John Kirkman is an Australian Regular Army veteran, having served with Royal Australian Signals Corps form 1997 through to 2003. Upon leaving the defence force, John experienced the many challenges that come with transitioning from the defence force into the business world.

"One of major changes is learning how to deal with transitioning from the vast support network (services, working relationships and dynamics and mateships) inherent with working in the defence forces, to that of normal civilian and business life".

A mental health and wellbeing transition study conducted in 2018 stated that approximately 9% of serving men and women transition out of the Regular Australian Defence Force (ADF) each year. This represents a significant number of Transitioned ADF members who are in the critical early stages of adjusting to civilian life and reintegrating into their community.

The transition period from military to civilian life is quickly becoming recognised as one of the most significant and stressful periods in the life of military members worldwide. This is due to potential changes in many aspects of a veteran's life including identity, community, residence, social networks, status, family role, occupation, finances, routines, responsibilities, supports and culture. Changes brought about by transition can result in the development of many issues which can severely impact a veteran's life including psychosocial adjustment issues, ranging from employment difficulties and family and/or relationship conflict to mental health and substance abuse problems.

John, like every veteran, has experienced this impact firsthand with both mates and colleagues that tragically have not been able to cope with this transition. At ETP, we are encouraged to see the establishment of a number of veteran run organisations as well as government initiatives designed to address this issue and offer much needed support and services, but more is needed.

Though not our core business, ETP is actively looking to do what we can and support initiatives and events that support veterans post service.

"Giving back something to those who have made sacrifices for this country and also those who have supported them in their sacrifice in defence of Australia and our way of life, is the least we can do".

As our first activity in this area, ETP is proud to be contributing financial support to the Royal Australian Signals Corps Reunion being held in Townsville from the 17th to the 23rd of June 2020.

If you're interested in this event, please email info@rasigs.com or check out the website http://www.rasigs.com/htm_pages/events/reunion2020.htm for further information.

Pledging our ongoing commitment of support for this very worthy cause, if you or your organisation is operating in the veteran support services area and would like to discuss how ETP could support you, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch at Cameron.bowden@etpartners.com.au to kickstart the conversation.

If you or anyone you know is in need of some help, you can call any of these helplines 24/7 for immediate counselling, advice and support:

  • Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
  • For all guidance in relation to veterans affairs, consult your nearest RSL: http://rslnational.org/