Jane’s ADF transition story: How maintaining connections helped her grow
Jane, Army veteran and Buddy Up Volunteer Chapter Leader
Jane Inglis joined the Australian Army at the age of 23 and served in Transport and as an instructor at Kapooka. After 14 years’ service, she was medically discharged in April 2005.
Jane wasn’t ready or prepared to leave the ADF (Australian Defence Force) – she expected she’d do 20-30 years in the ADF and the transition wasn’t an easy process for her. Jane said, “discharge from the ADF was like being ejected from a fighter jet and I was left to her my own devices, for example, I didn’t know how to get medical treatment and medications in the civilian world”.
After discharge, she left for the United States as she felt very lost, and abandoned and wanted nothing to do with the ADF.
She had left her tribe - her tribe had booted her out.
Jane also didn’t get much help from the RSL (Returned and Services League of Australia) and was disillusioned; struggling to deal with the Department of Veteran Affairs. She struggled with mental health issues and deterioration of physical issues including pain and multiple surgeries.
It was a long journey to get well and stay well and there were ups and downs along the way.
Jane now starts her day with a morning routine:
After transitioning, Jane led a sedentary life whilst struggling in the civilian workplace; at times she found she would offend people with her direct approach and get people offside without meaning to.
Jane’s mental and physical health has improved and she now gets out of bed at 6am every day and has a routine.
She heard on TV how the key thing to set up your day right is to make your bed every morning. This resonated with her and has made her bed every day for the last 4 years. She now has a morning routine: - she looks after her pets and goes for a walk and doesn’t turn on the tv until the evening. In the last 4-5 years she has been accepting of where she is in life.
Life after service:
Jane regards herself as a retired soldier and is now comfortable with the term ‘veteran’. She didn’t think of herself as a veteran when she first discharged as she didn’t think of herself as one of those ‘crusty old veterans’ but that perception as changed now and grown on her.
Though she felt abandoned by the ADF, she feels hopeful for those transitioning now as there’s more support available nowadays.
She says the best thing about re-joining society post-discharge is the stability she has now: “you can put your roots down and plant a seed and see it grow”. She bought a house and hasn’t had to move in a long time.
Skills Jane has gained from the ADF include the ability to lead and pull different people together as a team, being super organised, flexible and solve problems on her feet.
The highlight of post-separation career has been leading workshops making trucks and helping the company ORH Engineering flourish which was very rewarding. In her post-service life, she’s also a keen gardener, worked for herself, managed accounts, bookkeeping and completed data entry.
Navigating post-service life entitlements:
Jane says she and many of those who discharge have trouble keeping up with post-service entitlements and find the paperwork and process were very confronting and overwhelming. She found Facebook groups helpful in seeking support and advice from her peers. Her peers have helped educate her and sharing of stories helped her too.
Jane lost her confidence in her ability and herself after discharging. However, now days, Jane’s personality is shining through as she’s connecting with those who understand her and share similar past experiences. Jane says “I’m a more empathetic person and more tolerant of differences now. I’ve grown as a person and wouldn’t go back to the ADF if I had the opportunity anymore”.
Maintaining connections is key to Jane’s successful transition:
Jane regularly participates with Buddy Up in local parkruns
In recent years, Jane says the key to her recovery and her successful transition is to make connections with those like her. She took on a role in her RSL Sub-Branch and also became involved with Buddy Up Australia who focuses on physical activity, social activities and volunteering. She has done many rewarding activities with Buddy Up – everything from Park Runs to planting trees in the community. She says you get those good endorphins when you connect with others, which feels good and motivates you to do more. Her tip is just to do what you can and don’t overcommit.
Considering joining the ADF? Jane recommends doing a gap year or getting a job after school before joining; find out who you are before you join the ADF as you can have a low level of maturity joining straight out of school.
Considering or have undergone transition? Jane strongly suggests you keep some connections through friends or Ex-Service Organisations like Buddy Up. They understand you - get involved. Find your tribe. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Jane is Buddy Up Australia’s Perth Chapter leader and represents us at events
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