On Anzac Day, we honour veterans past and present – but what happens when the uniform comes off? Meet a young ex-soldier who’s finding his civilian feet, thanks to some timely support.
Stepping out of an armoured vehicle and into an office cubicle isn’t exactly a straight swap; but there are more similarities than you might think. Imagine leaving behind a world of high-tempo teamwork, adrenaline-pumping operations and clearly articulated missions, to land in the ambiguous, uncertain and complex maze of civilian office life.
South Australian veteran, Josh Ison, found his way through this transition obstacle course – and into a job he loves – thanks to the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program.
This week, as Australia pauses to honour our Anzac heroes, it’s important to remember, there are those amongst us living the Anzacs legacy in more ways than one.
A bumpy landing into civilian life
Josh joined the Army in 2011, eventually rising to Vehicle Crew Commander in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and serving overseas. What he loved most about the army was the camaraderie and mateship. “These experiences build bonds that last a lifetime,” he says.
But leaving the military at 31 years old didn’t exactly go to plan. Josh describes his transition as “a bit of a bumpy one,” due to a sudden administrative mix-up that left him with just one week to secure a civilian job – or face unemployment.
Luckily, Josh quickly found defence-related work through veteran mates, successfully making the big shift from Army life to the office – “an environment so foreign to veterans but normal to everyone else.”
But when he landed a mid-senior management role, he felt he wasn’t ready and like his time in the ADF, he called in his mates for help.
Enter the mentoring program
Josh spotted the Veterans SA Mentoring Program on LinkedIn – and found exactly what he needed in his mentor, Glen Gallagher, an experienced executive from a major defence company and a “legendary figure” within the program.
Glen provided guidance and practical advice that proved “gold” – helping Josh solve immediate challenges and plan a rewarding career path.
Beyond career advice, Glen’s belief in Josh’s potential made a huge difference. “Having someone like Glen believe I have what it takes was a huge confidence boost. I still bounce ideas off him today,” Josh says.
What the mentoring program offers
Launched in 2021, the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program connects veterans, ADF Reservists, Defence partners, and now adult children of veterans (aged 18+) with South Australian business leaders.
The 2025 intake is the largest ever, with 26 pairings taking part, highlighting the program’s growing momentum.
“The program’s success is reflected in the diversity of our mentors, who are hand-picked professionals from various sectors and disciplines like strategy and consulting, academia, and small business,” says Veterans SA Director, Bianca Wheeler.
Participants consistently find new jobs, win scholarships, and even start businesses, emerging with greater confidence, clarity and purpose.
Bianca says tailored support is key. “We know post-service life can bring challenges in defining career and business goals. Our mentoring program is specifically designed to help participants successfully navigate this path.”
Josh highlights the highly personalised mentoring, tailored to each veteran’s individual needs.
Where Josh is now
Today, Josh is exactly where he wants to be – working as a BAE Systems Australia Project Manager based at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
He says the role perfectly matches his desire for the kind of constant change and challenge he thrived on during his time in the Army.
“I was worried about becoming stagnant,” Josh says. “Project Management provides me with a great solution, as projects are smaller packages of work with shorter timeframes. It’s ever-evolving, with constant learning and constant challenges.”
Josh credits Glen’s mentorship for giving him the networking opportunities and confidence to land the job at BAE Systems Australia, advising other veterans to “just go for it!”
“Working for a major defence company was high on my list of targets for my career path and through skills and support provided by Glen I was able to successfully tick that off my list,” he said.
“Searching for a career path that suits the lifestyle you want is so important – and the mentors on the program can definitely help guide you.”
‘Supporting those who supported you’
Josh encourages other veterans to think about the family and friends who sacrificed and supported them during their military service – and use that as motivation to engage with the mentoring program.
“The military is not your everyday job; it’s a full-time commitment,” he says.
He believes building a strong civilian career is one way veterans can honour those who have backed them along the way.
“That way you’re not only supporting yourself, but also supporting those who supported you.”
Anzac Day 101
Anzac Day, commemorated every 25 April, honours Australians who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
Originally marking the bravery of WWI soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915, today it’s a broader reflection on the courage and sacrifices of all Defence personnel – past and present.
South Australia is home to nearly 48,000 veterans and current serving members of the ADF, spanning all ages and backgrounds – and they’re not just names on a memorial.
Veterans – like Josh – are part of SA’s everyday life, quietly contributing in countless ways.
Remember, your local mechanic, favourite barista or the pilot on your next flight might be a veteran.
Want to get involved?
Instead of just posting “Lest we forget” on Insta, set your alarm early this Anzac Day and head to your local dawn service.
Pausing to honour those who have protected Australia’s way of life is genuinely moving – and well worth the early start.
Find your nearest Anzac Day event.
Learn more about the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program.
