Life After Service: How to Navigate Your Transition with Confidence

Transitioning from the ADF isn’t just a career change — it’s a life change. That’s why the ADF offers the ADF Transition Guide (also a free app) to help veterans and their families prepare for civilian life. Let’s break down how the guide works — and how The Veteran Suite can support you before, during, and after this move.

1. Know What to Expect — Early and Together

The ADF encourages all members—and family—to get ready early, even months before transition happens. They recommend attending a Transition Seminar to understand what lies ahead. These seminars (available online or in person) cover career planning, health, super, DVA support, and more. Having your family involved helps everyone prepare together

2. Use the ADF Transition Guide — App or PDF

This mobile app is your transition companion. It consolidates resources from Defence, DVA, Services Australia, and others. You’ll get checklists, push reminders, seminar updates, videos, and links to support programs. Even when busy, the app makes it easy to stay on track.

3. Lean on a Transition Coach and Plan as a Family

Every serving member can connect with a Transition Coach through the ADF Transition Centre. Together you’ll work on a personalised transition plan, covering career, housing, health, finance, education, and social support — and your family can be part of that journey too

4. Track ‘Next Steps’ with the Guide PDF

The Transition Guide PDF lays out everything clearly: admin tasks, super, medical clearances, vocational training, housing, and more. Use it as a living checklist so nothing falls through the cracks.

5. Continue Receiving Support After Transition

Support doesn’t end when you leave. The Transition Guide and app remain useful as you begin your next chapter. Keep using them to access DCO services, Canberra-based seminars, employment coaching, and financial literacy tools.

6. How The Veteran Suite Helps Alongside ADF Support

Transition can be emotionally and logistically tough. The Veteran Suite complements ADF resources with care that understands veterans — telehealth GP/OT consults, specialist referrals, and DVA claims support. It’s your bridge between official support systems and the kind of healthcare that truly understands your experience. We’re here to guide your story beyond the service.

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