New framework addresses military job relocation
Published on 30 September, 2010
Recent PhD graduate Robert Westlake has recommended more understanding of how military personnel perceive and cope with their regular relocations.
"I'm not sure that going to more (job) stability would be helpful because a lot of what happens as a part of those moves may be valuable to the military," he said.
Robert's thesis explored the perceptions of a group of Australian Defence Force staff members following job relocations which involved moving and settling into a new geographic location and work role.
The results were used to develop a framework to address problems and issues associated with job relocation.
"Because I spent time in the military myself I always wondered how they managed to change over their staff literally every three or four years ... moving in the order of 20,000 people a year," the Adelaide-based graduate said.
"There's interest in my outcomes because it was conducted inside of one military unit. My commanding officer is interested in publishing in the Defence Force Journal which I'm preparing for at the moment.
"They (the military) were very supportive and very keen to understand more about what happens."
Robert said the journey of completing his thesis gave him a greater insight into his work with a defence contractor.
"I work for BAE Systems on the Over the Horizon Radar Support Contract (supporting the RAAF) ...It is an important project because it is Australian IP with DSTO (the Defence Science and Technology Organisation) directing ongoing development of the network of three radars as a part of their research projects.
"An outcome (of the PhD) has been for me to become recognised as a subject matter expert within my employer organisation and our Australian Government contractor.
"Along with an advanced standing comes salary and working condition rewards. Now I am working toward 'retiring' from traditional full time work of chasing a salary to pay a mortgage to now a more fulfilling work arrangement focusing on what interests me, what I want to do, and explore. Hopefully I'll do some good and have a bit of boating interspersed in the work."