What it’s really like as a woman in the military – with Colleen Maclean

In this powerful episode, I sit down with former Air Force life support fitter Colleen Maclean. She shares her journey through a decade of military service, including deployments and the challenges faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She opens up about her experiences of sexual assault and PTSD, detailing how she eventually found empowerment and reclaimed her identity, after being medically discharged, through experiences like bodybuilding. Her candid story offers deep insights into resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the transformative power of reconnecting with one's true self. This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity, showing that it is possible to reclaim your autonomy again and feel comfortable in your own body. 

About Colleen Maclean:

Colleen Maclean served for 10 years in the Royal Australian Air Force and is now helping other veterans as a lived experience advocate. After her time in the military, she has done multiple projects and specialised in social media content creation and strategy, event planning and talent management. Next to that, she is also a passionate bodybuilder and model. 

Colleen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_adventurous_muse/

Colleen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-maclean-11394515a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Joining the Air Force: Early Days

00:54 Roles and Responsibilities in the Military

08:13 Challenges and Gender Dynamics

16:02 Sexual Assault and Seeking Help

28:40 Life After Discharge

31:15 Struggling with Identity as a Veteran

32:43 Starting a New Career Path

33:32 Embracing the Veteran Identity

35:22 Lessons from the Military

41:20 Bodybuilding and Femininity

47:35 Advice for Women in the Military

49:52 Fire Away Questions