New life after tour of duty

JAMIE Tanner spent 11 years of his life in the army. He's now part of a generation of soldiers struggling to adjust to civilian life.

LEGACY CONTINUES: Jamie Tanner gave the Anzac address at Fromelles Manor yesterday. Picture: Andy Parks

JAMIE Tanner spent 11 years of his life in the army, serving in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He was a section commander who co-ordinated search operations and also carried out "direct action operations" where a unit under his command would act on intelligence to seek out enemy combatants.

But after being highly trained and holding positions of incredible responsibility, Jamie is part of a generation of soldiers now struggling to adjust to civilian life.

He was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and said he still feels uncomfortable in crowded or unfamiliar places.

As well as dealing with the mental health issues, he was also forced to start a new career and is currently doing an apprenticeship as an electrical linesman.

But Jamie believes he is one of the lucky ones.

"You have to start (your career) again and that's where a lot of guys fall over," he said.

Jamie has the support of his partner and his five kids, although he only sees them on weekends because his apprenticeship is based in Brisbane.

He said the RSL, ADF and Department of Veterans Affairs are slowly realising that they have a responsibility not just to the men and women who have served their country, but also to their families.

"Change doesn't happen overnight, but they realise that the services they have provided in the past aren't enough," he said.

Jamie was the guest of honour at an Anzac Day ceremony held at the RSL's LifeCare Fromelles Manor in Lismore yesterday for residents who may not be able to make it to traditional services on Friday.

He spoke of the continuing Anzac legacy that was formed in the trenches of Gallipoli, and has continued through all of Australia's military deployments from the jungles of New Guinea, to the scorching sands of Iraq.

He said the technology and the terrain may change, but the Australian soldiers' ability to maintain a high morale even during the darkest nights was a trait that distinguished them.