Helping Australian service men and women transition to life as a civilian.
How ready are you for a life outside the Services?
Recent research has highlighted one of the most challenging periods for military personnel can be transitioning back to civilian life.
Major lifestyle changes can be stressful for anyone, but leaving the ADF can feel like more than leaving a job. It will likely represent a change in a person’s way of life across the board.
While many transitioning personnel may initially experience some uncertainty and a sense of losing some part of themselves, most make the adjustment successfully. For others, the problems may not go away and for some, may become worse, unless they receive help.
The Facts
Leaving the Military is hard, in fact, a recent survey in Australia found that all men complained military discharge was a complete, “sudden cut”. This sudden departure from the service, combined with the rigorous military training, can aggravate previous trauma, leading to PTSD, mentail health issues, increased risk of crime and difficulty in maintaining identity.
Turning To Crime
Army veterans are twice as likely to end up in prison (ABS, 2019) although it was found that if If ex-service men and women could maintain contact with the Australian Defence Force through peer support and informal networks, their identity and sense of purpose could be maintained to reduce the risk factors for offending and re-offending.
More Deaths
Between 2001 and 2017, 419 serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel died by suicide. But while the suicide rate for men still serving was 48% lower than in the equivalent general population, the rate is 18% higher for those who had left the military. (ABS, 2019)
The Presentation
Barry Stewart’s presentation “You’re Not In the Army Now” is designed to help provide the much-needed peer support and informal network to people thinking of leaving the military, or to those who have already left.
Based on real-life experience.
As an ex-soldier (if one can ever call themselves that) Barry understand the real-life struggles and feelings of lack of purpose and identity when faced with leaving the Army. His straight-forward and practical advice is designed uniquely for those who have left the army.
Maintaining Identity
Why are we call Dog Tags? For many soldiers, they feel they lose their identity and sense of community when they become a Civilian. Our “Dog Tags” philosophy is all about encouraging people to hold onto their identity and remember who they are, using their army issued dog tags.
“I found a lot of Australian soldiers that are lost. You think you’re a civilian but you’re not, you never will be, even three years’ service in the army will change you forever. And the Australian government and military don’t do enough to support ex-service men and women.”
About Barry Stewart
Through many turbulent years, changes to personal and working life, struggles with mental health, I made it through due to traits I learnt in the Army.
Over the past 5 years, I have helped many Service Men and Women, transition to life outside the services, to remember their identity and cope with life as a civilian.
I now live in South Australia, and own several businesses and enjoy spending time with my Family, Friends and local Community Groups.
Our Featured Reviews
Why do we do what we do?
If only...
Barry, if only my dad had seen this presentation maybe he would still be here today…
Michael
Australia
Barry is amazing
Barry’s words of wisdom and amazing upbeat stories have given me a whole new perspective on life outside the Army. I will wear my dogtags now with a whole new meaning.
Clarke
Australia
Don’t wait until it is too late.
Book Your Presentation Today
Talk to Barry about your needs and booking a presentation in today.
Submit using the form or by emailing enquiries@dogtagsaustralia.com.au
If you or anyone you know needs help or is having suicidal thoughts, contact Lifeline on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.
