Nathan 'Brick' Darvill joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2000 and had a decorated 20-year career.
But he, like many others, felt lost after leaving the military.
"The military becomes something you do every day, you're in routine, you've got the same people around you, not a lot changes from day-to-day," Mr Darvill said.
"When you leave the military, you've got an empty space."
But being a part of the Military Brotherhood Motorcycle Club changed the feeling of loneliness into one of acceptance and support.
The brotherhood is comprised of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Commonwealth Forces members, along with their families and friends.
It was formed in 2009 with just one sub-branch in Australia.
Today, there are over 20 sub-branches across the country, with at least one in every state and territory. Canberra's group has just over 20 members and counting.
Grahame 'Thommo' Thompson retired from the Royal Australian Air Force earlier this year, after working as a flight engineer and a reservist.
He said being a part of the Military Brotherhood meant he was still with "like-minded" people, who have "got the same stories".
"A lot of them have been through the same good times and the same bad times," Mr Thompson said.
"They can just come along and talk about it, and not worry about what they say or who is going to condemn them for anything they've done."
The group in Canberra meets once a month and takes rides through the city and its surrounds.
But recently the group travelled further afield to Tasmania, where they met up with other sub-branches from Tasmania and Melbourne.
"It warms your heart knowing there's plenty of other people who are battling the same things that you're battling," Mr Darvill said.
"It's about that brotherhood."
During every ride, there's always time to stop, share a drink or a meal, and catch up. For many of the members, it's the main reason they joined the group.
"We have some members who have been dealt a strong blow with their mental health," Mr Darvill said.
"Instead of them going down a dark path, they've had the support of other members, which has enabled them to grow and to learn from the things that trigger them."
Thai Charlie joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 2001, and worked as a chef and a translator throughout his career.
He said he battled a "major depression attack" after leaving the military, but was able to feel like he fit in after joining the motorcycle group.
Mr Charlie said it was important to get "all the things that I have in my chest" out.
After talking to another member who shared the same problem, Mr Charlie said they were able to "help each other fight depression, and physical pain as well".
Mr Thompson said the group had also worked to support each other to find the right information or point someone in the direction to get more help.
"Once you're out of the military, it's extremely hard to get that pathway back into the information you require, unless somebody else has been through it," he said.
But the support the group offers extends beyond just the monthly rides.
"It can be as little as if someone's moving house, just getting all together and helping them move house. Takes the stress away," Mr Darvill said.
Mr Thompson said a stand-out memory for him was being invited to act as a guard of honour for an ex-military member who died.
"We turned up for the funeral and his family was so grateful that there were people from the military there to see him off," he said.
"It's great to offer support to anyone I can."
