12 May 2023
Trying to find the right balance between being a senior firefighter, managing his own business as an electrician, staying connected with Army and spending time with his family was a challenge for Lance Corporal Michael Letts.
He realised he needed a new approach to fulfil his career endeavours while also remaining connected with Army. With the assistance of Army, he’s been able to continue serving in a flexible way that suits his lifestyle.
Now through the ServeOn initiative, members are able to serve on their own terms.
Over his 25-year career, Lance Corporal Letts has posted to 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and Royal Australian Engineers, having deployed to East Timor and to Afghanistan twice in that time.
However, in 2012 Lance Corporal Letts decided to transfer to the active Reserves so he could spend more time with his young family.
“My daughter was two and I’d been away for 18 months of her life,” Lance Corporal Letts said.
“A huge part of my decision was to spend more time with my family and just be a bit more grounded.”
He began full-time work in the mines, started his own business as an electrician, and found a reservist role with 21 Construction Squadron before moving to Sydney.
Once in Sydney, Lance Corporal Letts began working as a firefighter and discovered flexible service options with Army that allowed him to balance his new commitments.
Lance Corporal Letts is now an electrical supervisor at the School of Military Engineering on a SERCAT (service category) 3 basis.
“When I first transferred to the Reserves, it was hard to balance Army with my work and business,” Lance Corporal Letts said.
Transferring to SERCAT 3 provided him with the flexibility and balance.
“Now, I give them days and they fit me in whenever they need me,” he said.
In his new position, he’s been teaching courses for the unit and he’s able to plan his schedule well in advance.
For members wanting to remain connected to Army while not being sure how, Lance Corporal Letts believes his journey shows it can be done.
“I would most definitely recommend the avenue I've taken because of the flexibility in the way you can structure your life,” Lance Corporal Letts said.
“It’s such a brilliant program where I've slid back into the team I'm working with, the people I used to know and really respect. I feel like I'm contributing.”
To find roles that suit your location, availability, and other circumstances, use OneArmy.Potential or ForceNet.
To discuss flexible service options, submit a contact form and the local contingent workforce management cell will be in touch.
