Client Success Story
Jason Eltham
From Military Strategist to Health Security Innovator
“Ironside is exceptional in its professionalism, communication and support. Their understanding of ADF members and attention to individual needs and career goals is what makes them truly unique.”
– Jason Eltham
Recognising the Right Fit
After more than 25 years leading military operations, emergency responses and strategic programs both in Australia and overseas, Jason Eltham was ready for a new kind of challenge. Having operated at the highest levels of Defence, from leading complex operations in the Middle East to historic emergency support operations during bushfires and COVID-19, Jason had a wealth of experience. But like many Veterans, he faced a common hurdle: how to translate that depth of knowledge and leadership into the civilian world in ways that are understood, valued and fully utilised. That’s where Ironside came in.
A Strategic Opportunity at DMTC
Recognising Jason’s unique skill set, personal values and commitment to national security objectives, Glen from Ironside introduced him to DMTC’s Health Security Systems Australia (HSSA) division. The role of Program and Project Lead called for exactly the type of leadership Jason had refined over decades. It was more than a job. It was an opportunity to guide national innovation in health security, leading collaborative technology projects designed to strengthen Australia’s defence and public health preparedness against chemical, biological and radiological threats.
Making an Impact from Day One
What made Jason’s placement with DMTC so successful wasn’t just the technical match, it was also the strategic alignment. In his role, he’s responsible for navigating complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving research institutions, government agencies and defence partners. His background in crisis and capability management means he’s not only fluent in the language of defence and security but he’s also able to bridge that with civilian innovation environments. In his first week, Jason is already making an impact, managing risk, setting direction, and using his natural empowering style to drive positive team outcomes.
Bridging Two Worlds
For Jason, the role taps into the very skills and values that define his ADF career: inclusive leadership, maturity under pressure, building teams with a common purpose, and delivering results that matter. For DMTC, a company that collaborates with brilliant partners to deliver better capability outcomes for Australia’s defence and national security, Jason is bringing clarity, mission focus and lived experience to every project. For Ironside, his story is a powerful example of how a veteran’s journey into corporate life is just the beginning.
Jason’s work now sits at the cutting edge of Australia’s sovereign capability in health security, and his leadership continues in the same spirit of service that has guided him through decades in Defence.
