Additional notes

Grouping of reasons for separation

The reason for separation in this report describes the main reason recorded for a person’s separating (discharging) from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Analysis by reason for separation is presented for the following groups: 

  • voluntary separation: includes voluntary redundancies and resignations
  • involuntary separation: includes personnel deemed unsuitable for further duty for disciplinary, medical and operational reasons. Involuntary separation is further divided into:
    1. separation for medical reasons
    2. non-medical involuntary separation (which includes being physically unfit for service, training failure and disciplinary reasons)
    3. retention not in service interest, includes separations based on one or more of the following:
      • separation due to a member’s performance, behaviour, suitability or failure to meet one or more conditions of appointment, enlistment or promotion, 
      • separation due to Defence workforce planning, effectiveness and efficiency, morale, welfare and discipline, or reputation and community standing
  • contractual/administration:
    • separation due to contractual completion
    • administrative changes in Defence personnel systems.
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