Military Social Work in Australia: Opportunities for Policy, Practice, and Education

Social work's history of practice with the Armed Forces in Australia began after the first World War. Whilst not formally recognised as a specialist field of practice in Australia, Military Social Work (MilSW) plays an important role in supporting current and ex-serving military personnel and their families. Civilian military social workers are employed in both the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and services are provided at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. It is also noted that a smaller percentage of social workers in private practice also provide services to the veteran community. The diverse range of MilSW settings and interventions are outlined in this chapter, and it is highlighted that MilSW predominates in family-sensitive settings, as well as clinical settings, such as in health and mental health. The authors conclude that MilSW is an emerging specialist field of practice that presents the Australian social work profession, university Social Work Departments and academia with opportunities to advance the profession. It is suggested that enhancement of social work education to include MilSW concepts, academic research, policy development, promotion of the unique aspects of MilSW practice, and international collaboration will lead to conditions conducive to establishing the MilSW professional identity in Australia. The authors contend that fore-mentioned actions will assist to advance the profession, and ultimately enhance the MilSW services provided to the military and veteran community, both in Australia and ultimately, across the globe. .