Joining the military requires one to abandon many of the primary aspects of civilian life, and after several years of service, it can be challenging to readjust to life away from the military. Military life is characterized by higher standards of responsibility than civilian life, since service members are trained and strictly required to follow orders and directives from superiors. Civilians, on the other hand, have a high level of freedom over what they want to do, what to wear, and their time management.
In the military, service members learn to exist as part of a large fraternity, meaning military personnel are typically in the company of other members every day of the week. They actively engage in teamwork, striving to achieve shared objectives. Civilian life tends to be different - there is a high level of individuality, and teamwork is not as common outside certain work environments.
Another difference is that there is a higher sense of financial responsibility in civilian life than in the military. Service members often don’t have to overly concern themselves with budgeting or finances, since they may not have the freedom or opportunity to spend money. Notably, most of their basic needs are met within the base, including food, housing, and uniforms. They also receive free healthcare coverage that can cover their families through the TRICARE program. On the flip side, civilians have to budget their money since they can overspend, must decide on and pay for their housing, and pay for their medical coverage.
These differences in civilian and military lives create social and mental health challenges when readjusting, as proven by the fact that over 44 percent of veterans struggle to transition from the military. In addition, some experiences while serving in the military complicate successful transitioning, including serious injuries, being involved in combat, or witnessing a close friend losing their life or succumbing to serious injuries.
Socially, veterans often struggle to relate to people with no military experience. The language they learn in military camps is unfamiliar to civilians, and veterans also must keep up with the slang and jargon outside military bases. They struggle to connect with neighbors, doctors, barbers, and supermarket attendants, and this can complicate their well-being and access to basic needs.
Veterans also often have trouble reconnecting with their families, since their absence may have forced family members to assume new roles. For instance, wives may have learned to provide for the family and make important family decisions in the absence of their military husbands. Transitioning service members may want to re-establish these previous roles, creating anxiety and conflicts.
Veterans may find it challenging to create a structure and routine on their own. While serving in the military, they are used to someone creating schedules for the whole day, including when to wake up, what to eat, what to do, and when to sleep. This is not the case for civilian life, and many have difficulty dealing with the newly found freedom and the myriad choices it presents to them.
Additionally, alcohol and drug abuse are rampant issues among veterans. Notably, over 65 percent of veterans in addiction treatment admit to alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. This situation complicates their physical health, personal and professional relationships, and adherence to laws such as those prohibiting driving while under the influence.
Transitioning service members are susceptible to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts. Those who have experienced head injuries can develop traumatic brain injury (TBI), and often experience memory issues, rapid mood changes, fatigue, and headaches.
Veterans can deal with these challenges by attending a transition assistance program (TAP). This platform offers guidelines to ex-military service members on securing civilian jobs to empower them financially and avoid idleness that can push them into social vices. TAP also helps veterans adjust to the different pace of civilian life, establish relationships in the workplace, and adapt their communication styles.
Finally, veterans should find a support system to help them reconnect with the community. Other veterans, churches, neighborhood associations, and community-based groups can be important paths for sharing experiences, getting social support, and creating beneficial networks. Here, veterans can get recommendations on service providers, including doctors and therapists, who can understand the challenges they face and assist them in readjusting.
