Australian Army veteran Rach Ranton is one of nine veterans who comprise the Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) Veteran Impact Group (VIG). The VIG was set up in 2023 to ensure veterans are central to the design of research and programs that support their health and wellbeing.
Rach worked in a highly specialised and demanding role as an Electronic Warfare Operator, intercepting and analysing enemy communications to provide critical intelligence for frontline operations. With deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, Rach understands the complexities of military life, and the unique challenges that come with transitioning out of it.
Those same high-level skills – strategic thinking, problem solving, critical analysis, and clear communication under pressure – laid the foundation for her success in a career in banking, where she led complex projects. Today, Rach is a leading advocate for veteran employment in Australia, consulting to major organisations and government
Working with GMR felt like a natural fit for Rach: “I knew GMR had a great reputation for the work they did with veterans and for turning research into action to help veterans take ownership of their next phase of life. They don’t just look at data – they listen to veterans, get to the root of the issues, and you feel heard.”
Bringing a veteran lens to research
Rach joined the VIG 18 months ago to help shape research, tools and programs from the veteran perspective.
Rach has recently been helping to develop online modules for RSL Be:Well, a wellbeing program that is the culmination of GMR’s research partnership with RSL Queensland.
The modules are based on research into what works for veterans, and they deliver practical advice on improving physical and mental health.
“It’s been enormously rewarding to see those modules out in the world and to have friends, and even people I don’t know, tell me how helpful they’ve been.”
Navigating life after service
Rach transitioned to civilian life at 28, landing a banking job within six weeks – a move she says was critical to rebuilding her identity.
“The military is your whole life. Everything is decided for you – your job, where you live, who you mix with. Leaving means figuring out who you are all over again. Work helped me start that journey to rebuild my sense of identity.”
She acknowledges that transition isn’t always straightforward. Veterans often grapple with the sudden lack of structure, intensity and camaraderie.
“Life can feel less vivid. You go from high-stakes work to a slower pace. You have to consciously search for meaning and rebuild your sense of agency. It takes time to soften the edges, to allow yourself to be vulnerable.”
Pushing for earlier support
While there is a lot of support available to veterans when they leave the ADF, Rach believes conversations around transition support need to start much earlier in a military career.
“Everybody leaves the military eventually, yet we don’t talk about what comes next. That’s where organisations like GMR come in. But we need to raise awareness and start these conversations much earlier.”
Navigating support services can also be overwhelming. Rach says GMR makes it easier by offering programs that are informed, respectful and veteran informed.
Championing veteran employment
A passionate advocate, Rach helped develop a veteran employment stream at Westpac Bank and was named the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employee of the Year in 2018. This was a turning point that inspired her to step up to promote the message that it is possible to create the life you want post-Defence.
“Veterans aren’t broken. We’re adaptable, strategic and highly skilled. We do need employers to look beyond the resume and see our potential. That also means working with leaders and HR to make sure our resumes make it past standard recruitment procedures.”
However, veterans also need to be realistic about their lack of industry knowledge or experience in the corporate world when searching for that first role.
Why get involved with Gallipoli Medical Research?
To anyone considering participating in a GMR research program, Rach says, “Absolutely do it. You cannot expect change unless you step into the fray. It’s nothing about us, without us.”
She urges veterans to know that every experience matters, good or bad, deployed or not, as research organisations like GMR work best when they hear from a diverse range of veterans.
“Contributing to research at GMR is an opportunity to take ownership of your experience and to give something back – your involvement creates a lasting impact for other veterans.”
“Leaving the military is an opportunity to reinvent yourself,” she added. “GMR will respect your story and protect your privacy. Your insights make a huge difference to future policy, education and support tools.”
To find out more about our veteran health research projects and how to get involved, go to gallipoliresearch.com.au/veteranresearch
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