Jeremy's life after Defence

 “I also didn’t want to go to university. I didn’t want to end up working at the local abattoir, and I didn’t want to get a trade. I wanted to do cool things, travel, have fun and get a direct ticket out of a small country town,” Jeremy shared.

So, after the intense mandatory three months of recruit training at Kapooka and his subsequent graduation; an internal vehicle driving course, and aptitude testing, the Army’s internal recruiter decided Jeremy would best suit the role of Radio Operator/Signal Officer.

CAREER BEGINNINGS

“I was then posted to Darwin as a Junior Signaller. From 2012-2015 we had an ultra-small team, with lots of responsibility. It was heavily about planning and management and we worked within a Logistics Battalion,” Jeremy shared.

“My next posting was to Perth - I was asked to apply for Special Forces, and I got in. It really was a whole other world. I had three years of the most varied life experiences - I completed parachuting and boating courses. For my personal and professional development - this period of time was incredible. I got promoted to Lance Corporal, and it was here in Perth where I also met my wife, Nicole,” reflected Jeremy.

Jeremy’s next step was a move to Townsville - which proved a baptism of fire or flood, as it was.

LEADERSHIP

“We moved into our house on Christmas Eve 2018, and with a new baby in tow, the very next month saw the Townsville floods. I was appointed the Detachment Commander, and I was called on to display my leadership skills immediately. I set up communication relays for our evacuation efforts. It was a lot of thinking-on-your-toes stuff, but I’d had the experience for it. Following our time in Townsville, we successfully applied for a transfer to Brisbane to be closer to family, as we went on to have our second son there,” Jeremy said.

Shortly after, Jeremy, despite his acclaimed career in the Army, was then medically discharged.

“I had pain here, there, and everywhere. It was a huge blow. And it’s worth noting that not having work, after having such significant, meaningful and impactful work, can send people down really depressive paths. I’ve had a number of people close to me suicide, after being discharged. You cannot underestimate the toll it can have on your mental health,” Jeremy said.

CHANGE TO CIVILIAN LIFE

Cue TAFE Queensland Defence Support Officers (DSO), Paul Copson, who was giving a presentation at the Soldier Recovery Centre, while Jeremy was attending his medical discharge program. Paul was speaking as part of Queensland Government's Defence to Civilian Success Training Program, which supports Australian Defence Force veterans moving into civilian careers by providing support and training opportunities. DSOs, who are experienced in Defence doctrine, and who are experts in recognising prior defence training and experience, assist and advocate for veterans to move into a civilian work industry or learning environment.

“Paul was talking about how he (and TAFE Queensland) could assist veterans and their families. We had a great conversation afterward, hit it off and maintained contact. Then, when a Project Manager position at Fujitsu Australia came across his desk, he put me forward, owing to my logistics and planning experience,” explained Jeremy.

TAFE Queensland has taken a proactive approach to supporting transitioning ADF members by themselves employing ex-ADF members as Defence Solutions Officers (DSO). The DSOs possess a unique set of skills and expertise that comes from their years of service and extensive military and transition background.

Jeremy, got the job. He and his young family stayed in Brisbane for a few years with him working with Fujitsu Australia, until more family support was needed, which saw him accept a transfer and return to Victoria.

THESE DAYS

Fast forward to now, and Jeremy and his family are based in Ballarat (an hour from Fujitsu Australia’s Melbourne Head Office), and working on the company’s national and regional contracts. His responsibilities range from delivering ICT services to the Defence Force, bid preparation, niche Defence Force solutions, right through to being on VERG - the Veterans and First Responders advisory Group with Fujitsu - which he finds incredibly rewarding.

“I’m really focused on making Fujitsu Australia the employer of choice when it comes to Veterans. It’s as important to me as my project management work. I’m also completing a double degree in psychology and law as part of my passion for veteran advocacy,” Jeremy shared.

A truly wonderful story of how those who are helped, can go on to help others.