From Infantry Soldier to Regional Security Manager: Josh Shipsey's Next Mission

For as long as he can remember, military service was part of Josh Shipsey's life.

His father is a Vietnam Veteran and served as President of the local RSL where Josh grew up. Surrounded by veterans and their stories from a young age, joining the Australian Army was never really a question of if, but when.

"Military life was a big part of my childhood," Josh recalls. "Dad was a Vietnam Veteran and President of the RSL, so I grew up around veterans and hearing their stories. From a young age, I knew that's what I wanted to do."

Not everyone shared the same enthusiasm when he enlisted.

"My mum was worried," he says. "She wanted me to do something that would give me opportunities outside the Army as well. Dad was happy to have someone following in his footsteps."

Just as military service itself felt inevitable, so too did his choice of role. Inspired by the stories he'd heard growing up, Josh set his sights on becoming an Infantry Soldier.

"It was always Infantry. I'd grown up hearing stories from Infantry veterans at the RSL and that's what I wanted to do."

After completing his training, Josh was posted to the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR) in Darwin.

Life in an infantry battalion was demanding, structured and rarely predictable.

"A typical day was morning PT, breakfast, lessons or training, lunch and then afternoon PT," he says. "But every day was different depending on what training was happening or whether we were out in the field."

While Army life taught him discipline, teamwork and resilience, one of the most important lessons came during his initial training.

"There was a point during training where there was a real possibility I wasn't going to make it as Infantry," Josh says. "I remember having a conversation with myself about whether this was really what I wanted."

The answer was immediate.

"I decided this was it. There was nothing that was going to stop me from passing."

That determination paid off. Not only did Josh complete his training, but his section finished as the top-performing section on course.

Looking back, he sees that moment as a defining experience that shaped his approach to challenges ever since.

Another lasting influence was Lieutenant Cloete, a leader Josh first encountered during training and later served under in Darwin.

"His way of leading through connection with individuals has definitely stayed with me," says Josh. "He understood that leadership isn't just about giving direction. It's about understanding people."

That lesson continues to influence Josh's own leadership style today.

Finding a Path Forward

When Josh left the Army in 2019, he faced a challenge familiar to many veterans: translating military experience into a civilian career.

After years in a highly structured environment, he was uncertain how his skills would be recognised outside Defence.

"It was tough coming from a job that didn't have any 'real world qualifications'," Josh recalls. "As an Infantryman, there was a brief period after leaving where I was unsure of what I should do and what I could do."

For Josh, the security industry felt like a natural next step.

"I saw the security industry as a line of work that I could translate my skills into."

Initially, he viewed security as a stepping stone rather than a long-term career. But as opportunities emerged and his responsibilities grew, he began to see a different future.

"It was never intended as being the long-term career, but as the opportunities came up, I decided this was something that could really take me a long way and I haven't looked back since."

Military Skills That Matter

One of the biggest misconceptions veterans face is that their military skills don't transfer easily into civilian workplaces.

Josh's experience suggests otherwise.

"Being able to remain calm under pressure and in tough situations, and quick decision making, have by far been the most useful skills coming into the security industry."

His Army experience also gave him a strong appreciation for accountability, teamwork and operating effectively within complex organisations.

"My prior experience in a very structured workplace definitely helped me in terms of knowing the right people to go to ensure fast turnarounds and positive results."

These are qualities that continue to serve him in security leadership roles today.

Building a Career

Josh joined Wilson Security as an Access Control Officer and steadily progressed through the organisation. Five years later, he is now a Regional Security Manager leading teams and supporting critical operations.

When asked what has helped him succeed, he points to a combination of industry knowledge, his military background and a focus on delivering results.

"Having a solid understanding of the client, being Defence, and using that prior experience on the other side of the fence as a solid foundation has really helped me succeed."

Advice for Veterans

Having successfully made the transition himself, Josh is passionate about encouraging other veterans to explore opportunities in the security industry.

"There are various career opportunities in Wilson Security where your prior experience is really appreciated."

For those unsure about what comes next after Defence, his advice is simple.

"If you're unsure of what you want to do after Defence, then I would recommend getting in contact and working out where we can best utilise your experience and abilities and get you on the way to your next career."

For Josh, the values that shaped him in the Army, resilience, teamwork, leadership and service, continue to guide him today. The uniform may have changed, but the mission remains the same: supporting people, leading teams and making a positive impact.