Saluting Their Service – Contemporary Voices of Bravery: Episode 4
When former infantryman Chris Bezeg left the Australian Army, he didn’t just lose a job. He lost structure, identity and the confidence he had always taken pride in. The transition home was far more confronting than he expected.
‘I found that I’d lost a lot of confidence in myself and my abilities because I took a lot of pride in being really strong, both mentally and physically,’ he said. ‘And now, all of a sudden, I was back out as a civilian. I’d lost my job in Defence, which I was extremely proud of, and it was a real, real confidence shake.’
In episode 4 of Soldier On’s 10-part podcast series, Saluting Their Service – Contemporary Voices of Bravery, Chris speaks with Soldier On’s Career and Education Support Manager and veteran Jason Isaac about the difficult decisions, unexpected setbacks and slow steps forward that shaped his transition. His story reflects the challenges many veterans face as they try to rebuild momentum after medical discharge.
When the uniform comes off
Leaving Defence meant losing a world where every day was structured and every decision was made at pace. Returning home was jarring.
‘I found that transition quite difficult. I found that I had trouble thinking of what I wanted for myself,’ Chris said. ‘For example, my wife would ask, you know, what do you want for dinner… and I had no idea.’
Even simple tasks, like choosing cereal at the supermarket, became overwhelming. ‘I’d be looking at cereal and just not knowing,’ he said. ‘I’m just so used to you go to the mess. This is what you’re having.’
Military habits also lingered. ‘If my wife says something – still to this day – and I don’t quite hear her, I’ll be like, “Say again”. She absolutely hates me saying that, but it just comes out like it’s natural.’
Isolation deepened the struggle. Chris worried that friends would judge him for being discharged. ‘I didn’t really want to go out or see anyone… because I thought that they would look down on me that I’d been kicked out, essentially.’
Finding support that understood what he’d been through
Chris’ turning point began with a single piece of advice he remembered from a transition seminar.
‘They said, “If there’s one thing that you should remember, it’s when you get out to find a DVA advocate.” I implanted that pretty much in my brain and as soon as I got out, I went down to the local RSL.’
The advocate helped Chris navigate the DVA claims process and linked him with a doctor who understood veteran injuries and paperwork. Soon after, he found much-needed support for the rehabilitation he required because of his physical injuries.
These steady steps mattered and gave Chris the confidence to rebuild, and he was able to connect with people who understood the long tail of service-related injury.
Work, routine and a new direction
With rehabilitation underway, Chris began exploring pathways back into employment.
After discussing his interests and options, it became clear he would need to retrain. ‘I had no transferable skills really from military to the civilian area, except maybe discipline,’ he said.
He initially accessed important support to guide him into his first role in locksmithing, but Chris knew he wanted a long-term career. That decision eventually led him into Information and Communications Technology, where he is now working and planning a future in cyber security.
Steadying the mind with something that matters
Reflecting on what helped him most, Chris’ advice is simple and practical.
‘I’d probably suggest take up a hobby or pick up an old hobby that you had,’ he said. ‘You go from a very structured area or routine where you’re told what to do, when to do it, and then suddenly you’ve got all this time… so I found having a hobby was very beneficial.’
Hobbies, routine and the right workplace culture helped him maintain focus and avoid spiralling into darker thoughts.
‘It means that when I’m not working and my mind’s focused on the work, my mind’s focused on my hobby or my family. And so, there’s very little time to sort of end up in that dark place where a lot of veterans seem to end up, which is very sad.’
A story that reflects many, told in his own words
Chris’ experience is unique, yet familiar to so many transitioning veterans navigating identity, injury and uncertainty. His resilience, honesty and humour give strength to those who may be walking similar paths right now.
As Jason tells him: ‘You’ve shared a very unique story, but a very common story also…of the highs and lows of service, transition, injury and everything that comes along.’
Listen to the full conversation
To hear Chris’ story in full – including the setbacks, the small wins and the reflections that didn’t make it onto the page – listen to episode 4 of Saluting Their Service. It’s a powerful, honest conversation that will resonate with veterans, families and the broader community.
