Soldiers prepare for civilian life

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 446, 28 July 1992, Page 8

Soldiers prepare for civilian life

"Soldiers leaving the Army have a golden opportunity to embark on a second career from a position of financial security" said W02 Alan Savell. "To make the most of this opportunity it is important that you plan for it early." He was speaking at the resettlement seminar run by the Waiouru Education Centre from 7 July. The three day seminar covered practical advice on

second careers, psychological aspects of the change and financial planning techniques. Job seeking skills occupied a fifth of the programme. Quest Rapuara, the biggest nationwide vocational guidance service, presented this section. They took soldiers from identifying their career options right through to their interview with the prospective employer.

Psychological aspects of the transition from military to civilian life, along with the need for goal setting were discussed by Capt Quentin Fogg, Army psychologist for ATG. Capt Fogg emphasized that the change is traumatic but preparation can make it less so. "In Waiouru the main problem is little contact with the civilian world, said Capt Fogg. "When the family moves children are surprised by the number of elderly people that exist, or the variety and extremes. We don't see many BMW's here, neither is there real poverty. Parents find that they need to have tighter control on their children; there is no 30km/h speed limit and the streets may not be safe at night." "Soldiers who regularly

find their social activity outside the Army tend to cope best with the transition. It is the people who are insular in their activities; who spend a lot of time in the Mess or at work, that get the biggest shock," said Capt Fogg.

Resettlement is one of the welfare roles carried out by the Education Centre. The seminars also provide an opportunity for them to target information on educational opportunities to soldiers who may have no formal civilian quali-

fications. "To be competitive in the job market it is important that people realise the emphasis put on educational qualifications," said Major Mike Nicholas, OC for the Waiouru Education Centre.

"Probably the mosl unfortunate aspect oi continuing education is that people leave things too late. It is simply not possible to gain degrees and certificates in the last six month of service," said Major Nicholas.