Ex-paratrooper Sam Bamford struggles to adapt after serving in Afghanistan

In 2012, during a six-month deployment in Afghanistan, Sam Bamford, an Australian soldier, experienced intense combat situations, including a tragic 'green on blue' attack that resulted in the deaths of three Australian soldiers and one Afghan interpreter. Bamford joined the Australian Army right after high school in 2009 and, upon returning to civilian life at age 23, faced significant challenges adjusting to a normal working environment. His first civilian job was on a building site in Adelaide, where he found himself struggling with the contrasting expectations between military and civilian work. For example, he continued to work in the rain, having been conditioned in the military to operate in all conditions without interruption, which led to conflict with his supervisors who informed him about safety regulations prohibiting work in adverse weather. Bamford's experiences underscore the broader issue that many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. The military environment promotes a 'fight or flight' mentality during deployments, which can be challenging to adapt away from when returning home. While military personnel are prepared for action and work under rigorous conditioning, civilian jobs often have relaxed norms that may seem counterintuitive or frustrating to someone who has been in combat zones. The lack of de-sensitization training for returning soldiers means they may not adjust easily to civilian life, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts like the one Bamford experienced. As Bamford explained, his military training focused on being ready to fight at a moment's notice, a mentality that does not always translate well into civilian settings. He shared his realization that without the necessary guidance on adapting to civilian norms, veterans like him might default to reactive responses, causing issues at work. Over time, he has become an advocate for fellow veterans, illustrating the urgent need for better support systems to help them reintegrate more smoothly into society. Now a podcast host for '2 Worlds Collide', Bamford shares stories of other veterans dealing with similar struggles and highlights the challenges faced by Australian Defence Force veterans, who are statistically more at risk of suicide compared to the general population. Through his platform, he emphasizes the importance of providing mental health support and resources tailored for veterans, helping them navigate their transition from military to civilian life in a healthier and more informed manner.