"It's a complete identity shift, where you leave a tight-knit community and a chain of command," she told AAP.
"You go from an environment where everyone gets it, to something where no one understands what you're going through."
Harder still is navigating so-called support systems for veterans that are often complex and plagued by ongoing backlogs.
"For years veterans have had to navigate overlapping legislative frameworks and try to understand what services and entitlements they are eligible for," Ms Pace said.
"There's a huge stigma and too many veterans feel like they can't admit when they're struggling."
For many in the Australian Defence Force, the toughest challenges begin after the uniform comes off rather than on the frontline.
Emotional scars, disconnection, identity loss and post-traumatic stress disorder are just some of the things ex-service members grapple with.
Women veterans in particular face significant challenges whilst serving in the military, including sexual violence, harassment and discrimination.
Ex-serving women discharged involuntarily for medical reasons were 5.2 times more likely to die by suicide compared to those discharged voluntarily, according to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide.
The suicide rate for ex-serving ADF females was 107 per cent higher than the general Australian female population.
The royal commission also found sexual misconduct remained a systemic issue for the ADF, with the Albanese government agreeing to a future standalone inquiry into the issue.
Experts from Australia and overseas have repeated calls to accelerate much-needed changes in the male-dominated culture of the armed forces after a study of veterans revealed significant gender-based barriers.
"Women veterans face significant challenges whilst serving in the military and in transition to civilian life, due to the highly masculinised military environment," mental health expert Professor Sharon Lawn said.
"The experiences of harassment, discrimination and military sexual assault - and the consequent trauma - for the Australian women veterans who participated in this study were described as largely stemming from this entrenched gendered military culture."
Transition services were often geared towards the male experience of the military rather than accounting for women's experiences, Ms Pace said.
"What we do need is a fully integrated veterans-centred support system that is trauma-informed and consistent nationwide," she said.
As a former Navy Combat Systems Operator, Ms Pace served in Australia and overseas for nearly seven years.
Now she works as a partnerships manager at Medilinks, a service that provides specialised psychiatric assessment services to veterans.
Anzac Day is a time for remembrance, reflection and connection but Ms Pace said it was also a time to acknowledge the responsibility to support those who have worn the uniform.
"We need to shift the perception of PTSD and depression - they're not character flaws they are treatable issues," she said.
"We also need to invest in prevention rather than just crisis response."
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Open Arms 1800 011 046
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
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