Chris enlisted in the Australian Army in April 2001 and completed his Initial Employment Training as a Combat Engineer with the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE). From 2001 to 2005, he served with the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, including an operational deployment to East Timor as a Section Second-in-Command (2IC). In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Defence Service Medal (2005) and the Australian Active Service Medal with East Timor Clasp. Promoted to Corporal in 2006, Chris was posted to the Army Recruit Training Centre, where he earned his Recruit Instructor Badge. He was subsequently selected for officer training at the Royal Military College – Duntroon. Upon graduation, he was commissioned and returned to the RAE. As a Lieutenant, he held multiple command and staff appointments, including:
- Administration Officer, 17th Construction Squadron
- Acting Adjutant, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment
- Troop Commander, Emergency Response Troop
- High Risk Search Advisor and Troop Commander, Mentoring Task Force – 3 (MTF-3), Afghanistan (2011)
Promoted to Captain during his deployment to Afghanistan, Chris was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, the NATO Medal, and the Military Combat Badge (2012). On return to Australia, he served as Reconnaissance Officer for 18th Squadron, 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. His final posting was as Second-in-Command (2IC) of the Officer Training Squadron at the Sydney University Regiment. Chris concluded his military career with discharge in July 2015.
Currently, Chris is a member of the senior management team at global healthcare solutions provider, Aspen Medical, a veteran an Australian-owned company. Chris has transformed personal adversity into national impact, championing veteran wellbeing and meaningful employment for those transitioning from service. Chris’s own service as a combat engineer in Timor-Leste and a troop commander in Afghanistan left him hospitalised with PTSD and depression, leading to medical discharge in his early thirties. Supported by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Chris rebuilt his life and committed to ensuring others could do the same.
Taking personal responsibility for his health, Chris retrained as a trauma-aware yoga teacher and co-founded Frontline Yoga, which has delivered practical, evidence-informed support to thousands of ADF veterans and first responders. This work has helped many regain stability and purpose, enabling sustainable transitions into meaningful employment and community contribution.
Recognising the need for structured pathways to civilian careers, Chris founded Vita Nova (Latin for: A New Life) as an Aspen Medical initiative, establishing an international professional network dedicated to supporting veterans and their partners in securing meaningful post-service employment. Through leadership development, peer mentoring, and employer engagement, Vita Nova helps veterans translate their service into civilian success, creating a clear pipeline from service to impactful careers.
Chris also educates Australia’s Defence and national security leaders as a Visiting Lecturer at the Australian War College, through the Defence Strategic Studies Course (DSSC) and is a respected public advocate in the media, including on DVA TV, the ABC, and The Project, championing the unique strengths veterans bring to Australia’s workforce. Through advocacy, program development and personal example, Chris Thompson-Lang has delivered sustained, measurable impact in championing the employment of veterans and their partners, proving that service does not end on discharge, it simply evolves, building a stronger, more resilient Australia for all.