🔹 This is the 6th post in my blog series,Veteran Transitions Across Borders: Bridging Civilian and Military Worlds, which explores the challenges and creative strategies shaping veteran transitions across countries and communities.
When I first read about Australian Army Cadets volunteering with the Supercars crew at Townsville and Darwin, – and soon Bathurst 1000, Sandown 500, and the Gold Coast 500 — my immediate reaction was simple: how fantastic!
For these young cadets, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step behind the scenes at Australia’s most iconic motorsport events. They’re not just spectators. They’re hands-on, shoulder-to-shoulder with industry volunteers, learning the rhythm of large-scale event management, building teamwork and leadership skills, and seeing first-hand how discipline translates into the fast-paced world of motorsport.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting. Too often, conversations about Defence-community partnerships focus on employability after service, – helping people “be civilian ready” once they leave the military. What if we flipped that lens? What if these initiatives were also seen as powerful tools for retention?
Retention Through Relevance
When Defence members from cadets to seasoned soldiers, see how their skills connect to industries like motorsport, logistics, engineering …. the list goes on and on, it reframes their service. They’re not just training in a vacuum; they’re part of a living skills ecosystem with real-world relevance. That recognition can reduce the pressure some feel to leave Defence early just to prove their employability later.
As Supercars CEO Shane Howard put it:
“It’s a unique way to recognise the dedication of volunteers and inspire them through teamwork, leadership, and real-world experience.”
That’s not just a quote about motorsport. It could easily be a mission statement for Defence itself.
The Confidence Connection
Confidence and morale are central to retention. If cadets and Defence personnel see their contributions celebrated at high-profile public events, they are more likely to feel valued, visible, and future-ready. Instead of transition feeling like “falling off a cliff,” these experiences create continuity: Defence service → cross-industry experiences → future civilian pathways.
It’s not about choosing between military and civilian. It’s about strengthening the thread that ties them together.
Lessons from Abroad: Mission Motorsport
This is not a uniquely Australian idea. In the UK, Mission Motorsport — “The Forces’ Motorsport Charity” has been pioneering this approach for over a decade. They’ve proven that motorsport is more than racing; it’s therapy, skills development, and a launchpad for second careers. Veterans rebuild vehicles, race competitively, and even retrain as automotive technicians for global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Thyssenkrupp Bilstein.
The results? Restored confidence, stronger identities, and sustainable civilian careers. But just as importantly, they build pride and belonging that can ripple back into Defence culture itself.
A Global Conversation
Seeing Australian Army Cadets step onto the Supercars stage is a reminder that these kinds of partnerships are not just about local community engagement, they are part of a global movement. Whether it’s Supercars in Australia, Mission Motorsport in the UK, or collaborative projects in Germany and beyond, these initiatives show the power of motorsport and automotive industries to bridge Defence and civilian worlds.
The question isn’t just how these programs help people leave the military successfully. It’s also how they can inspire people to stay longer, contribute more, and feel deeply connected while they’re still serving.
Where Next?
Motorsport and automotive industries are leading the way. But imagine if other high-performance industries — aviation, renewable energy, even esports — created similar partnerships. What about the arts industry, floristry, and conservation roles to name just a few?
What would it mean for Defence members to see their skills mirrored, celebrated, and expanded across borders?
That’s the invitation for us all: to think bigger about partnerships, not just as exit ramps, but as bridges that keep Defence service vibrant, connected, and future-ready.
✍️ This article is part of my Bridging Civilian and Military Worlds – Insights and Opportunities blog series. I’d love to hear your thoughts: What other industries do you think have untapped potential to inspire, retain, and support Defence personnel globally?
Jenn Barfield - Holistic Career Development Coaching 