The “Transition” to Civilian Life From the Perspective of Former Serving Australian Defence Force Members

Abstract

It is well recognised that the transition from the military to civilian life can create challenges. This study explores the multiple and dynamic experiences former serving Australian Defence Force members report in their transition to civilian life. A narrative inquiry methodology with two rounds of interviews was used to collect the data from 12 former serving Australian Defence Force members. Narrative thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Our results indicate that transition for each participant is a unique experience that continues in the years following separation. For those who joined in early adulthood and served in high-tempo and/or combat roles, transitioning was complicated by military identity challenges. Their ongoing transition was related to the need to develop an individual civilian identity for civil society, challenged by the development of a collective identity as a member of the Australian Defence Force. We conclude that transition is the process of identifying as an individual following a collective identity, and for those still transitioning, was best supported by their military peers.