THE TRANSITION DEFENCE NEVER PREPARED YOU FOR
The 2024 Royal Commision into Defence and Veteran Suicide revealed that over 2000 confirmed suicides since 1985. It identified poor transition support as one of the biggest risks to Veterans’ wellbeing.
Veterans were taught how to serve; how to be an instinctive soldier. But never how to transition.
The Royal Commision made it clear: veterans don’t need more red tape, checklists or referrals.
They need early support. Real connection and people who actually understand who they are what what they are going through – because they have lived it themselves.
March Out is the answer.
BACKGROUND
Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide revealed that more than 1600** Australian Defence Personnel and veterans died by suicide between 1997 and 2021 – with risk often increasing after discharge.
Emergency Department data shows that from 2013-2020 about 4400 ex-serving ADF members presented for self-harm or suicidal behaviour.
These findings highlighted systemic gaps in transition support, identity loss and connection – not personal weakness.
**Recent data shows the figures are 2000+
- Inadequate Transition Support
- Complex systems and processes with DVA
- Loss of identity, purpose and connection.
The final report concluded that suicide among serving and ex-serving members is not isolated – it reflects cultural, structural and support gaps that directly effect the veterans wellbeing across their life course.
Deaths of despair refers to deaths caused by suicide, drug or alcohol poisoning, chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
You have served your country — and that service built more than a career.
It built resilience, discipline, strength, and a skillset shaped under pressure.
Those qualities don’t disappear with transition.
This isn’t about losing your identity.
It’s about anchoring it in a new direction.
You are still who you are.
And now, that identity gets to evolve.
You are not starting again — you are continuing, with experience, capability, and purpose.
ABOUT US
March Out was built to change that.
March Out was created by veterans, for veterans.
We’ve lived the structure. The mission. The identity… And we’ve lived the moment it disappears.
The Royal Commision into Defence and Veteran Suicide confirmed what many of us already knew – that the most dangerous period for a veteran often begins after they take the uniform off..
March Out exists to intervene early – before isolation turns into crisis. Before purpose is lost. Before someone falls through the cracks.
We provide structured, peer-led mentoring to support veterans as they transition from military service into civilian life – helping them rebuild identity, regain direction and reconnect to meaning.
This is veterans walking alongside veterans – through the hardest chapter of change.
Empowering Veterans Through Support, Mentorship, Guidance, And Connection.
Veteran Led Support
Support from people who've actually taken the uniform off and know what comes next.
Purpose-Driven Mentorship
Not Therapy. not tick box coaching. Real Guidance focused on direction and meaning.
Access Support Networks
We help build your right support system; health, home, financial, careers and beyond.
Community & Connection
Because mateship doesn't end when service does. It's about broadening that horizon now.
Guidance and Support
What support looks like after service
Guided Veteran Mentorship
Career Growth & Direction
Simplified admin & Financial Support
Community & Professional Support
You don't have to figure this out alone
Support works best when it is structured, timely and personal.
WHY MARCH OUT
Why March Out Works
Most transition support focuses on systems, checklists, or referrals.
March Out focuses on the veteran — and stays with them while real life happens.
We don’t just provide information.
We educate, empower, and walk beside you so you can take control, rebuild confidence, and create a future that actually works beyond service.
VETERAN LEAD
Others: “Veteran-informed” or advisory-based.
March Out: Every mentor has lived the full transition — not just service.
You’re supported by people who understand the reality after the uniform comes off, because they’ve navigated it themselves.
Structured Support, Not Loose Check-Ins
Others: Drop-in sessions, short programs, or surface-level support.
March Out: Clear structure with flexibility where it matters.
We combine consistency, accountability, and personalisation — so progress actually happens instead of drifting.
We Stay When Things Get Hard
Others: Support ends when the program does.
March Out: Connection continues beyond paperwork and milestones.
Transition isn’t linear. We don’t disappear when things stall, shift, or feel messy.
Practical Outcomes Over Talk
Others: Information-heavy, action-light.
March Out: Clear steps, real progress, tangible outcomes.
From career direction to admin systems to rebuilding confidence — every part of our support is designed to move your life forward, not just make you feel heard.
OUR CORE PROGRAM
Our Programs: Support that meets you where you're at
Different stages of transition require different kinds of support.
March Out offers structured pathways depending on where you are — and where you’re heading.
6 WEEK TRANSITION MENTORSHIP
Best for: Veterans navigating early transition or feeling stuck after discharge.
A structured six-week pathway designed to help you rebuild direction, stability, and confidence — with consistent mentor support while real life happens.
- Clear personal and professional direction
- Stability across life systems (health, admin, work)
- Reconnection to purpose and confidence
IMMERSIVE WORKSHOP
Best for: Veterans preparing to leave or newly discharged.
A one-day, hands-on workshop that helps you cut through confusion, understand your next steps, and leave with a clear plan forward.
- Understand key systems (DVA, health, finances)
- Clarify identity, values, and direction
- Walk out with actions, not overwhelm
1:1 MENTORING
Best for: Veterans who want personalised support without a fixed program.
Flexible one-on-one mentoring focused on your specific goals — whether that’s career direction, rebuilding confidence, or navigating life beyond service.
- Personalised guidance at your pace
- Confidence and resilience rebuilding
- Support tailored to your goals
EMPOWERING SOLDIERS
What changes when you're supported properly
Identity
Clarity Returns
You know who you are outside the uniform — and you’re clear on what comes next.
stability
Life Starts to Feel Manageable Again
Systems are set up. Stress is reduced. You’re no longer reacting to everything — you’re planning ahead.
confidence
You Trust Yourself Again
You’re making decisions with confidence instead of second-guessing every step.
Connection
You’re Not Alone
You’re part of something — people who understand the transition and don’t disappear when things get hard.
Support doesn’t end when the paperwork does.
WHO WE ARE
We've Walked the Path Ourselves
As veterans who have lived the full cycle of military life — service, transition, and rebuilding — we understand what’s lost when the uniform comes off, and what’s required to move forward again.
March Out was built from lived experience, not theory. It’s more than a program — it’s the support we wish existed when we transitioned.
Zian Meredith
Co Founder and COO
Chris Phillis
Co Founder & Lead Facilitator
Josh Bailey
Co Founder and BSSci Psych (Hons), M Prof Psych
why choose us
why veterans choose march out
Because transition doesn’t fail due to lack of information —
it fails when support disappears too early.
We Don’t Just Prepare You — We Stay With You
Others: Front-loaded programs, handovers, referrals
March Out: Ongoing guidance while real life unfolds
Transition isn’t linear. Momentum stalls. Confidence dips. Systems get overwhelming.
We don’t disappear when things slow down — we help you work through it.
Support Is Personal, Not Programmatic
Others: One-size frameworks, fixed timelines
March Out: Personalised pathways, real accountability
Your service was unique. Your transition is too.
We adapt support to your goals, pace, and circumstances — not a rigid model.
We Build Capability — Not Dependence
Others: Solve things for you
March Out: Teach you how to navigate life independently
We educate, empower, and equip you to understand systems, make decisions confidently, and advocate for yourself long after the program ends.
This Is Lived Experience, Not Theory
Others: Advisory or clinical distance
March Out: Veterans supporting veterans
We know where transition breaks down — because we’ve lived it.
That insight shapes how we support you, not just what we offer.
