If you’re an employer in the Victorian Public Sector (VPS), find out what skills and experience veterans can bring to your team.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel gain a wealth of practical experience operating in potentially stressful and arduous environments, or working long hours in time critical situations.
What veterans can bring to your team
- While media suggests some veterans need support, most transition well to make a positive contribution - socially and economically to their community.
- ADF personnel have worked in mixed military/civilian environments and are highly adaptable and agile.
- The ADF selection process is highly competitive and thorough.
- Ongoing education and training is a requirement of ADF service and for progression through the ranks.
Veteran attributes
Adaptability
Veterans are used to changing locations, environments, situations and approaches to problems. They have the potential to readily adapt to changing needs and requirements.
Resilience
Improved resilience due to service requirements means veterans can manage and meet numerous deadlines under pressure. Resilience is a key component of military training.
Problem solving and initiative
They will take initiative in most situations. A veteran will see a problem, consider how to solve it and act without needing direction.
Strong communication
Defence requires clear and concise communication, both written and verbally. Veterans can structure communication logically and clearly, and can readily adapt communication styles to suit diverse audiences.
Security awareness
This encompasses security of personal belongings, work equipment, information and the workplace. They are very conscious of sensitive information and will protect it accordingly.
Teamwork and leadership
All ADF personnel are instilled with the importance of teamwork and will have experience working in diverse teams throughout their career. Leadership is experienced from the beginning of service, understudying those above them to learn and be ready to lead when the opportunity arises.
ADF culture and environment
- Defence, like all other Government departments has a high degree of governance and administrative tasks.
- There is constant planning and collaboration whilst in the ADF, requiring clear and consistent communication.
- ADF personnel constantly recognise the achievements of the team above self, and often refer to ‘we’ or ‘the team’ in interviews or applications.
Understanding ADF ranks
Familiarise yourself with the ADF rank structure, noting that rank does not simply translate to VPS grades.
Here’s a basic summary of how a veteran may list their role and what it means.
- Soldier/Sailor/Airman or Airwoman - is a junior rank and the bulk of the workforce.
- Non-Commissioned Officer - responsible for supervising a small team or a number of small teams, and can be a junior or senior.
- Warrant Officer - a senior leader with extensive experience. Also a technical expert and responsible for standards, conduct and assisting achievement of strategic perspective.
- Officer - a person specially selected and trained in command, leadership and management.
We’ve also provided more detail about each ADF rank and equivalent across the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Senior Officers
These are executive level positions equivalent to Senior VPS roles. They have usually served multiple decades in the ADF.
Navy
- Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Rear Admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
Army
- General
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier
- Colonel
Air Force
- Air Chief Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Vice-Marshal
- Air Commodore
- Group Captain
Junior and Mid Ranking Officers
These positions are equivalent to Middle Management. They take strategic direction to produce operational outcomes. They’re experienced in command, leadership and management.
Navy
- Commander
- Lieutenant Commander
- Lieutenant
- Sub Lieutenant
- Acting Sub Lieutenant
- Midshipman
Army
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- 2nd Lieutenant
Air Force
- Wing Commander
- Squadron Leader
- Flight Lieutenant
- Flying Officer
- Pilot Officer
- Officer Cadet
Senior Non-Commissioned and Warrant Officers
Technical specialists who provide advice to senior leaders. They’re equivalent to a Supervisor position and capable of leading a number of teams.
Navy
- Warrant Officer of the Navy
- Warrant Officer
- Chief Petty Officer
- Petty Officer
Army
- Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army
- Warrant Officer Class 1
- Warrant Officer Class 2
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
Air Force
- Warrant Officer of the Air Force
- Warrant Officer
- Flight Sergeant
- Sergeant
Junior Enlisted Ranks
They make up most of the ADF workforce and deliver daily tasks. They’re proven junior leaders who can be responsible for small teams.
Navy
- Leading Seaman
- Able Seaman
- Seaman
Army
- Corporal or Bombardier
- Lance Corporal or Lance Bombardier
- Private
Air Force
- Corporal
- Leading Aircraftman or Aircraftwoman
- Aircraftman or Aircraftwoman
- Non-Commissioned Officer Cadet
We’d like to hear from you
How we can:
- improve the experience for veterans and employers by better understanding their skills and diversity
- share stories of veterans working in your team
Glossary of ADF terms
If you come across unfamiliar terms or phrases in veteran job applications, please email: veterans@dpc.vic.gov.au
Case studies - meet veterans working in the VPS
Case study: The attraction of the public sector after the defence force
Carmel wanted to work for a values-based organisation that's fast-paced
Case study: Mark wanted to serve his country without the forced moves
How Mark went from infantry to facilities manager in the Victorian Government
Case study: From the army to emergency management
After 22 years in the ADF, Mike left the army in 2017 for a management role at Emergency Victoria.
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