Transitioning to Civilian Life
Transitioning to Civilian Life
Transcript
Every service member transitions from military to civilian life at some point. While this transition is smooth for many, a survey by the Pew Research Center found that 47% found transition to civilian life somewhat or very difficult. Each veteran has their own unique experience in transitioning out. Understanding some of the issues that veterans face in transition can help connect and support veterans who are struggling.
Service members have a clear identity within the military that is reinforced by every aspect of military life. After leaving the service, veterans need to form a new identity as a civilian. This can be a difficult transition for a number of reasons.
Military life is highly structured and hierarchical, with each service member adopting the values, practices, and purpose that the military defines. Many veterans are able to successfully set new goals, find new purpose, and use the skills developed in the military to advance their careers and lives as civilians. Other veterans, however, find themselves struggling with a lack of structure, missing the camaraderie of those who they served with, or feeling adrift as they seek to find their purpose and goals outside of the military.
Veterans who are struggling with the transition to civilian life may find it difficult to seek out assistance. Those who were successful in the military may find it difficult to see how to connect their military service to a civilian life. They may not believe that civilian employers will value their military experience and skills. Veterans may grapple with imposter phenomenon, feeling as though they are unable to live up to their image of themselves as service members and questioning their value to civilian society.
Veterans who are struggling with their transition to civilian life may be hesitant to ask for help. Military culture values self-sufficiency and sacrifice, so asking for help may feel like a sign of weakness. Also, a veteran may be wary of seeking out support from the VA for fear of having their difficulties become part of their official record. On the other hand, many veterans feel that civilians don't understand military life and are hesitant to share their stories with anyone other veterans.
Service members have a clear identity within the military that is reinforced by every aspect of military life. After leaving the service, veterans need to form a new identity as a civilian. This can be a difficult transition for a number of reasons.
Military life is highly structured and hierarchical, with each service member adopting the values, practices, and purpose that the military defines. Many veterans are able to successfully set new goals, find new purpose, and use the skills developed in the military to advance their careers and lives as civilians. Other veterans, however, find themselves struggling with a lack of structure, missing the camaraderie of those who they served with, or feeling adrift as they seek to find their purpose and goals outside of the military.
Veterans who are struggling with the transition to civilian life may find it difficult to seek out assistance. Those who were successful in the military may find it difficult to see how to connect their military service to a civilian life. They may not believe that civilian employers will value their military experience and skills. Veterans may grapple with imposter phenomenon, feeling as though they are unable to live up to their image of themselves as service members and questioning their value to civilian society.
Veterans who are struggling with their transition to civilian life may be hesitant to ask for help. Military culture values self-sufficiency and sacrifice, so asking for help may feel like a sign of weakness. Also, a veteran may be wary of seeking out support from the VA for fear of having their difficulties become part of their official record. On the other hand, many veterans feel that civilians don't understand military life and are hesitant to share their stories with anyone other veterans.