Throughout the training year, many Defence Force members do not have a chance to achieve a true ‘work/life balance’ due to their commitment to duty. This does not only take a toll on their mental and physical health, but it also affects the family and friend support network. Whether you are a digger that has been in the field for over 150 days this training year or a Principal Staff Officer (PSO) who has not been home before 2200h each night, it is time to embrace the Reduced Tempo Period (RTP).
Don’t forget to put your ‘out of office’ on
Although it is a good assumption that you have taken leave over RTP, it is a common occurrence for service members to be recalled over the Christmas period or for people to have the need to contact you. So how do you professionally tell someone that you will not be working over this period? Ensure you activate your ‘out of office’ command on your email and include the detail that you will not be checking your emails regularly over the leave period. Make sure you provide an alternate way of contacting you such as a supervisor or duty officer’s phone number.
Acknowledge what you have achieved
No matter what kind of year you have had, you need to acknowledge the effort that you have put in to your roles and responsibilities. Some of the things that you have achieved may not have required much effort, others may have taken a chunk of your soul and made you question why. Whatever the outcome, take the time to acknowledge the goals reached and challenges conquered. Process and appreciate the clear ‘Wins’ that you had, but also accept and learn from the ‘Losses’ that you experienced.
Reconnect with your Family and Friends
Whether you are a soldier of 12 months or 12 years, your family and friends have missed having you around. Use this time to share your experiences and stories with each other and reconnect through time spent together. Building on these relationships will strengthen your resolve and make you more confident and determined in achieving your goals next year.
Is it time to re-evaluate your career path?
Many people use the RTP to re-evaluate the next few years of their career within the Defence Force. Before coming to any conclusions, reflect on your values and passions both inside and outside of service. Seek guidance from your friends and family, but also engage with your peers and mentors before setting any future goals in stone. Be aware of recent factors that have led you to re-evaluate your career in the first place which could include a recent role change, a posting, or a missed opportunity.
Refit to Fight
This will be different for everyone. The lucky few will be on the first plane overseas and actually be busier than what they have been at work exploring the world. Some will stay at home and spend time with family and friends and feel like they have achieved nothing over their leave and others will utilise their time to travel domestically. Whatever your plan may be, it is important that you actually use your time to take a break. Reduce your mental and physical stress levels by breaking the cycle of your responsibility of service. Clear your head and relax by planning to do something you enjoy and return to work rested, recuperated, and ready to fight.
Don’t overdo Christmas
It is very easy to go into the RTP with a sense of entitlement and the idea that you have earned the right to ‘let go’ for a few weeks. Be aware of the consequences and risks associated with festive activities. Many events will include alcohol, water activities, and motor vehicles. Make smart choices when participating in these events and remember that bad news doesn’t get better with time. Ensure you have the number of someone in your chain of command that you can contact if you need to.
Keep active and stay healthy
After a high tempo year, there is nothing better than planning 3-4 weeks of no physical training and eating leftovers from Christmas dinner. The average Australian puts on between 0.8 and 2kg during the Christmas period. Remember to keep active and don’t return to work already behind the eight ball. If you start to feel sick during the RTP, remember you can always call 1800 IMSICK which will put you in touch with a 24-hour triage support line. They will be able to provide you with information of the closest health facility that can provide care.
Conclusion
RTP is a chance for you to acknowledge your achievements over the past year and reconnect with family and friends as well as relax and recuperate. Your role in the Defence Force is a demanding one and planning a rest cycle as part of the training year is something that you need to take seriously. Enjoy your break, Rest and Refit yourself ready to fight in the new year.
I would also offer this refit/reset period is doubly important for SNCOs, WOs and Officers who often find themselves keen to get started on their next role after their HOTO. Whilst laudable and very occasionally necessary I recommend resisting the urge when you can to ensure a genuine break between postings and assignments.
Keep up the great work!
"Don't overdo Christmas" hit home hard. Rude, but relevant. ;)