Stay and seek new challenges

TO retain soldiers after their Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS), SCMA will this month begin an initiative to better utilise and develop the important trade base.

Soldiers whose IMPS expire within 12 months (three-year mark for most trades) will be offered greater opportunities to undergo new challenges and learn new skills.

As well as new skill sets, their new trade may attract a higher pay level.

Soldiers who leave after the IMPS often do so to seek more challenges and learn interesting skills.

CO SCMA Col Di Gallasch wants soldiers to know the Army will support them to seek challenges within the service by changing trades.

“No other organisation provides people with the opportunities the Army does,” Col Gallasch said.

“You can learn new trades and undertake new challenges with a simple trade transfer. Soldiers with a range of skill sets are much valued and sort after within the workforce.”

Army policy supports soldiers seeking new challenges or skills. DI(A) Pers 149.3 states: Soldiers may apply for a corps transfer or for re-allocation [trade transfer] if they believe such a change may be in the interests of their career progression or may improve their job satisfaction.

“Soldiers will be subject to normal trade transfer requirements – medical, psychological, etc – and Return of Service Obligation acceptance, but if they undertake a transfer within the bounds of this initiative they will have priority consideration,” Col Gallasch said.

“Those who wish to discharge because they want a new trade need look no further than the Army itself. Our diversity and training provides opportunities for soldiers to learn new skills in highly demanded trades.”

The targeted trade transfer initiative will be implemented by Transitions Cell, SCMA. Enquires can be directed to Supervisor Transitions, WO2 Sharon Gowans, Ph: (03) 5258 0628 or email scma.transitions@defence.gov.au