Thinking About Rejoining The Navy

28 August 2009

William Vermeeren is looking forward to re-starting his Navy career. After four months of trying, LSMT Vermeeren is back in uniform, thanks to the efforts of New Generation Navy’s Rejoin Case Management Team.

Leading Seaman Marine Technician Vermeeren had been in the Navy for nine years starting out as a Boatswain’s Mate then after two years changed over to a marine technician who specialised in small boats. The introduction of the new Armidale Class of patrol boats saw his position become redundant so he tried out life as an Anzac sailor. "Those last few years of constantly not knowing my future and moving about had taken their toll on me physically and mentally", LS Vermeeren recalls. "I was burnt out and needed a big break."

Looking back though, LS Vermeeren agrees the break was just what he needed. "This period was good for me because it allowed me to step back and assess my future", he said. Eventually he decided that Navy still had a lot to offer. The problem then was getting back in. He had allowed his Reserve status to expire and therefore, now as a civilian, was required to negotiate re-entry to the Permanent Navy through the Defence Force Recruiting process.

That's when the Rejoin Case Management Team's CMDR Greg Glancy heard of LS Vermeeren's plight and stepped in. "We have been established by CN Directive to assist, ease, and expedite the re-entry to the Permanent Navy of ex-members, particularly those in specialisations of which the Navy is short, such as Clearance Diver (CD), Marine Technician (MT), Combat Systems Operator (CSO), Acoustic Warfare Analyist (AWA), and Communication & Information Systems (CIS); and a number of Submariner (SM) categories.

RCMT can shorten the process dramatically. LS Vermeeren's application was completed in 36 hours; his circumstances were a little different to most, but certainly not unique, and we look forward to doing that again."

The Rejoin CMT is located at Canberra and Fleet Base West. Each member is dedicated to smoothing the way for re-joiners.

LSMT Vermeeren is now happily settling back into life in uniform. After a week of admin at HMAS Cerberus he is off to the Fleet Support Unit at HMAS Stirling for 6 to 12 months and then, with a bit of luck, back to sea.

For more information on the Rejoin Case Management Team go to rejoin.cmt@defence.gov.au.