Medallion pays tribute to service
Good leaders recognise their people’s achievements while great leaders shape a recognition culture.
CAPTION: Army Service Medallions for, left to right, 20 years, 10 years, four years. Photos by Corporal Michael Rogers.
This is a guiding principle for Commander 10 Brigade Brigadier Nick Wilson, who believes respect and recognition of service is an important aspect of the transition experience for ADF personnel and their families.
“As a formation command, we are very invested in supporting our team members when they are transitioning between all forms of service,” Brigadier Wilson said.
Transition support can come in many forms and depends on individual circumstances.
“It starts with command investment to understand the member’s reasoning and wants, continuing support through counselling and milestone development, through to recognising transition from service and transition to reserve service as a significant life event,” Brigadier Wilson said.
The Joint Transition Authority has been working with commanders and supervisors across Defence on creating opportunities for them to provide transition support that recognises individual experiences and needs.
One of the recognition and support tools is the Service Medallion, which has been available since March to all eligible reserve and permanent personnel transitioning from service.
The medallion recognises a minimum of four, 10 or 20 years of service with the ADF and the unique experience of service within Navy, Army and Air Force.
The Navy Service Medallion has been available since 2015 and the introduction of the same recognition for soldiers and aviators is part of the move to an aligned approach across Defence.
Brigadier Wilson said the medallion came with a special sense of identity and the positive impact on personnel in transition was noticeable.
“In joining the ADF, our people, through training, ethos and personal investment, share common values and a life in the service that is unlike any other,” he said.
“We all join as volunteers. We are not special but the concept of our service absolutely is and should be recognised in all ADF personnel accordingly.”
The medallion enables commanders and supervisors to recognise and thank personnel for their service, contributing to their ability to provide comprehensive and cohesive wellbeing support to personnel as they transition to civilian life.
“How valued people feel when they leave will shape how they think on their service,” Brigadier Wilson said.
Presentation of the medallion is just one tool to help commanders recognise the value of service as ADF personnel transition from service.
CAPTION: Royal Australian Air Force Service Medallions for, left to right, 20 years, 10 years, four years.
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