FAQs FOR ADF MEMBERS
- Who should I talk to if I want to separate?
- What resources and entitlements are available to me to assist with my separation?
- What do I need to do to separate from the ADF?
- How soon should I start my planning and preparation for my separation from the ADF?
- Can I access benefits after separation?
- How do I join the reserves?
- How will my separation affect my family?
- Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) Fact Sheet
Who should I talk to if I want to separate?
You should discuss your plans about possibly separating from the ADF with your unit staff at the earliest opportunity. Your unit can provide you with advice regarding a range of service opportunities, retention and transition benefits and other advice that you may not be aware of, and you should be making any decision regarding your ongoing service with the best possible information and advice at your disposal.
ADF Transition Centres are located in each of the major Defence areas. They can also provide you with specific advice regarding the transition process, benefits that may be available to you and your family’s requirements to enable an efficient and stress free transition.
What resources and entitlements are available to me to assist with my separation?
Please refer to the What support is available? section of this site.
What do I need to do to separate from the ADF?
Refer to the Am I Ready To Leave Checklist (Word).
How soon should I start my planning and preparation for my separation from the ADF?
Each Service has specific requirements in relation to the lead time that must be provided for a separation from the ADF. You should speak to your Commander so that you can be correctly advised about your Services’ specific requirements.
To find out more about the separation process you can also contact your nearest ADF Transition Centre.
Can I access benefits after separation?
In certain circumstances, access to some transition related benefits may be accessed by the member after separation from the ADF. Examples are where the member is unable to complete approved Career Transition Training prior to the date of separation, or where due to medical reasons, the member is unable to undertake any transition training or assistance until the medical condition has stabilised.
The ADF Transition Centre staff can provide advice regarding these benefits and the circumstances under which post separation access is possible.
How do I join the reserves?
Each of the Services maintains a dedicated website outlining the requirements for and types of service available within the Reserve Forces. In addition, Head Reserve Policy within VCDF Group can also provide advice regarding policies and support provisions available to ADV reserve members.
How will my separation affect my family?
Transition from the ADF can be a stressful time for the member and also their family. There are a number of organisations and resources that are available to support the member and their family during the transition process.
The following organisations can offer advice and assistance to families in relation to separation from the ADF:
- Defence Community Organisation
- Defence Families Australia
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Veterans’ and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service
- Defence Housing Australia
The ADF Transition Centre staff can also provide you with advice and information about the many organisations that are available to assist families as well as bring to your attention other considerations associated with separation, i.e. housing and removals, Centerlink, Health Insurance, Medicare, compensation and financial information.
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