Australian Army Journal

IDENTITY
Military Retirement:
Reflections from Former Members of
Special Operations Forces
Conclusion
In this study, the majority of former SF soldiers maintained a positive attachment
to military culture and their involvement in the regiment. The desire to replicate the
military culture demonstrated the personal significance of the military role to their
identity and also highlighted their difficulties in adjusting to the civilian environment.
The avoidance of reminders indicated a defence mechanism that was not used to
negate the military experience but to protect the self from preoccupation with the
past career or negative self-evaluation.
This article seeks to highlight the experiences of retiring SF soldiers and facilitate
further discussion of the transition from military to civilian life and the impact of the
continuing military culture in the civilian sphere. While further research is needed,
these participants’ experience of retirement can provide valuable information to
enhance the understanding of those working in critical support areas such as
veterans’ affairs.
Australian Army Journal
Culture edition 2013, Volume X, Number 3 Page 110