Index
Service members may leave the ADF for a variety of reasons.
Voluntary Separation
ADF members can discharge voluntarily from Service after completing their employment contract or return of service obligation (ROSO).
Members can make apply for a Discharge at Own Request prior to the expiration of their contract on Compelling Compassionate Grounds. DCO often provides a Defence Social Work Report and recommendation to support these requests. All such requests for discharge are assessed and considered on a case by case basis by the appropriate delegate and may require the production of documentary evidence in support of the request along with a DCO Report.
Involuntary Separation*
Involuntary separations are those determined solely by the ADF or as a result of factors beyond the control of the separating member. Involuntary separations include:
- Administrative Discharge: for a broad range of reasons, including failure to qualify after a probationary period or redundancies.
- Age Retirement: upon reaching the prescribed/compulsory retirement age.
- Discipline: resulting from disciplinary action, dismissal, or if Absent Without Leave (AWOL) for long periods.
- Medical Discharge: including for being below required medical or physical standards.
- Psychological Discharge: if the member is not deemed suited to Service life or work.
*Source: DSPPR Discussion Paper 4/2003 An Analysis of Involuntary Separation from the ADF
Career Transition Assistance Scheme
The Career Transition Assistance Scheme provides information and resources to help ADF members with the many aspects of the transition to civilian life from the ADF. Information can be accessed on the Defence Career Transition Internet or Intranet web sites which includes:
- A checklist to help plan your discharge
- Information on the various entitlements that arise during discharge
- A step-by-step guide through the discharge process
- The ADF Transition Handbook
- Relevant policy documents
- Jobsearch and other links
- FAQs
Department of Veterans' Affairs**
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) exists to serve members of Australia's veteran and Defence Force communities, war widows and widowers, widows and dependants, through programs of care, compensation, commemoration and Defence support services.
DVA offers services and benefits for eligible veterans and their families, such as:
- Service pension, age pension, income support supplements and allowances
- Disability, war widows' and widowers' pensions, allowances and special purpose assistance
- Veterans' Children Education Scheme assistance
- Subsidised home loans and insurance
For eligible current and past Australian Defence Force personnel DVA provides benefits including:
- Medical, rehabilitation and other related services
- Incapacity payments, non-economic lump sums for injuries resulting in permanent impairment and payments in respect of deceased employees
- Individual merit reviews
- Advisory and information services
For further information and points of contact, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs web site.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service ( VVCS )***
VVCS is a specialised, confidential service that provides nation-wide counselling and support to Australian veterans, peacekeepers, their families and eligible ADF personnel. VVCS can help you work through issues that are directly related to your service as well as lifestyle issues that affect your health and wellbeing.
VVCS Services include:
- individual, couple and family counselling
- after-hours telephone crisis counselling – Veterans Line 1800 011 046
- group programs including lifestyle management programs
- referral to other services
- information and education.
Contact VVCS by calling 1800 011 046 or
During business hours – connects you to the nearest VVCS centre. There are 15 centres located across Australia.
After business hours – connects you with Veterans Line, the after-hours telephone crisis counselling service.
For information call the Veteran's line on 1800 011 046 or vist the VVCS website
**Source: Department of Veterans' Affairs website www.dva.gov.au
***Source: Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service website
Valuable information and resources for discharging personnel, including links to relevant policy documents, can be found on the ADF Personnel Centre - Canberra Defence Intranet site.
The Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN) Chapter 2 provides guidelines for members leaving the ADF
Visit the Defence Rehabilitation and Compensation Program site (Defweb only) for information and legislation on:
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004
- Veterans Entitlement Act of 1986
- Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act of 1988
- Defence Determination on Conditions of Service 2003/21
The Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme (MRCS) website provides advice and guidance on areas such as:
- Rehabilitation
- Compensation for Permanent Impairment
- Incapacity Payments
- Pensions
- Claims and Appeals
The NSW State Government website provides 'Life Transition' guidance for people 'retiring'.
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