Ben Whitham transitioned out of the Australian Army in 2007 after 15 years of service as a signals officer.
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Despite the move, he remained committed to the defence force's mission and purpose; co-founding cyber security company 'Penten' in 2015 to serve the organisation and others.
In 2019, military veterans make up about 30 per cent of its 75 staff. Contrary to what Mr Whitham calls stigma about ex-servicemen and women being 'broken', he actively seeks them out for their unique skill sets.
"The word 'veteran' is sometimes synonymous with being broken mentally or physically ... [but] we can't think of many people who are necessarily in that circumstance," Mr Whitham said.
"Yes it occurs, it's important to address, and yes, you have to have those support structures in place, but not everybody who transitions from the military [fits that description]."
Veterans typically start civilian roles with a team-focused, 'fight to win' attitude, Mr Whitham said. While they may not have specific experience in line with a given job description, they adapt to titles and tasks with a focus on the 'end state'.
Penten project manager and former soldier, Bek Aarons, attributes veterans' versatility to time in the defence force.
I've been out of the navy for [nearly] five years and sometimes I sit in meetings and I say something, and I've got to look at people's faces and go, 'Do people use that term in the big wide world?'
- DVA deputy secretary Charles McHardie
"[They] are quite good at dealing with ambiguity, vague job descriptions, carving out their own job descriptions and working out where they can add value," Ms Aarons said.
"Often, once you get out the soldier trades, you're doing stuff you never were necessarily taught how to do, like human resources, managing people, planning exercises and spending budgets.
"None of that is in the core training you did straight out of Kapooka."
Mr Whitham wants more businesses to recruit veterans, as Penten is one of 125 signed up to the government's Veteran's Employment Commitment nationally. The commitment sees 'supporters' promoted to veteran job hunters, with other ACT-based signatories including AMW Professional Services and Connect 3i.
Penten has introduced several initiatives to account for the needs of transitioning defence personnel, including 26 weeks paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers, unlimited sick and reserve service leave, and flexible working hours.
"Those ideas have come from people here; they have brought those ideas forward, and we're trying to listen," Mr Whitham said.
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Deputy secretary of the Department of Veteran's Affairs, Charles McHardie, said the government was committed to improving the transition from service into civilian roles.
The Prime Minister's Veterans' Employment Program website included information for prospective employers and employees, and from July 1, 2020, the department would offer additional support on resume writing, skills translation and interview preparation.
Mr McHardie transitioned out of the Royal Australian Navy in 2015 after 30 years.
"I've been out of the navy for [nearly] five years and sometimes I sit in meetings and I say something, and I've got to look at people's faces and go, 'Do people use that term in the big wide world?'," he said.
"It's good to have someone to help you through that process."
Ms Aarons said any additional support would be appreciated by the veteran community, as women in particular could find it difficult to not 'undersell themselves' to civilian employers.
Penten was named cyber business of the year at the 2019 Australian Defence Industry Awards last week. Nominations are open for the 2020 Prime Minister's Veteran's Employment Awards until October 22.