The Journal

Stories, lessons and field notes.

Real founders, hard-won lessons, and the unsexy truths behind running a business after service.

First responder looking out a window with a checklist of things he'd like to focus on after leaving service.

transition · 19 July 2026

The First 90 Days: A Battle Rhythm for Life After Service

The void after leaving is where a lot of people come unstuck. Build a battle rhythm fast — structure, money, one main effort — and the transition gets a whole lot safer.

By Jerry Lienert

Australian veteran first responder and female speaking with mortgage broker in an office

veteran business · 28 June 2026

Veteran-Friendly Mortgage Brokers in Australia: a 2026 Directory

DHOAS, DFRDB, MSBS, ADF Super, shift-work income — most mortgage brokers don't speak the language. These ones do.

By M1R Alliance

Jerry Lienert playing around with his mates on a night out acting the fool

transition · 1 June 2026

The Golden Handcuffs Are Real. So Is the Way Out.

Lead Flux is the business I'm building outside the uniform. It's also proof that the door out of the job exists for any of us who decide to walk through it.

By Jerry Lienert

M1R Alliance vision including gym, cafe, recovery, content creation and connection in Adelaide but then Australia wide.

community · 29 May 2026

Beyond the Directory — The Vision for M1R Alliance

A directory was just the start. The real vision for M1R Alliance is a physical home for Australia's veterans and first responders — somewhere to train, recover, work, and just sit down for a coffee with mates who get it.

By M1R Alliance